In the story of Winnie-the-Pooh, Pooh Bear gets stuck in Rabbit’s hole and has to lose weight so he can become unstuck. Rabbit puts up a sign which says “Don’t Feed the Bear”. At Easter, all families with a dog need a similar sign attached to their chocolate Easter Eggs: “Don’t Feed the Dog.”

Animals can die from eating chocolate. They are sensitive to theobromine – a compound similar to caffeine. Compared to humans, animals metabolise theobromine more slowly which means it stays in their body for much longer. Even a small amount of chocolate may be enough to cause vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures and even death. The smaller the animal, the greater the effect. Darker chocolate with a high cocoa content – the healthier type for humans – is especially dangerous for animals.

Cats don’t usually go for chocolate but most dogs are quite happy to eat whatever they can find. If your dog starts to look pleadingly at your Easter eggs this Easter, don’t share them. Eat the whole lot yourself!

PS You are allowed to share them with your family and friends!