Dog treated for chocolate overdose in Dubai

DUBAI: This Christmas a Finnish family in The Springs will be extra cautious with their festive treats after their one-year-old poodle went on a near-fatal chocolate binge.

When Emmi Degerholm returned home recently with her children from a swim, she found their one-year-old Elsa nibbling at some chocolate pieces on the floor. “I had bought my daughters a Christmas calendar each, a tradition we follow every year. The calendar has little windows inside where the treats are kept. I found the calendar empty and learnt that Elsa had eaten 22 chocolates. I knew they were toxic for the dog and so I immediately took her to the British veterinary hospital. Else she could have died from overdose,” said Degerholm.

Dr. Sara Elliott, who treated Elsa, said the dog did not show any signs of poisoning as the pet owner was vigilant and had brought her in early. “It did not have time to absorb the sweets and so we could easily administer the medicine to induce vomiting.

"If she had come in even an hour later, she would have been in far more danger. It is Christmas-time and pet owners must be careful leaving sweets on the floor. It is also not a good idea placing them on the Christmas tree unless you put them right on top, away from the reach of dogs.”

She added that chocolates are one of the leading causes of dog poisoning that result in death.