Dog owners are being warned to keep their chocolate out of reach in order to protect their four-legged friends.

With the bank holiday Easter weekend quickly approaching, Dogs Trust is appealing for dog owners to be vigilant with their chocolate treats.

The UK’s largest dog welfare charity hope to raise awareness of the continued risk the consumption of chocolate poses to canines.

Veterinary surgeon Josie Cocks said: “Chocolate can be poisonous to dogs, so owners should ensure they keep it out of reach of their four-legged friends.

“Whilst some chocolate is more toxic than others, any amount is potentially harmful to your dog.

“If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, we would advise owners to contact their vets immediately."

“Chocolate poisoning can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive thirst, excitability, drooling, seizures and potentially kidney and heart failure.”

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Last year 60 per cent of vets reported cases of pets suffering from chocolate poisoning over the Easter period.

The Dog’s Trust are advising people to never give out ‘human chocolate’ as a treat, and to ensure the whole family understands this.

Owners have also been asked to make sure that bins are dog-proof to stop scavenging, and never to leave chocolate unsupervised.

Tamsin Durston, canine behaviour officer at Dogs Trust, said there were other ways for pooches to enjoy Easter.

She added: “There are plenty of exciting things we can do with our pets over the holiday weekend.

“Taking them on their own Easter hunt that includes dog-friendly treats instead of chocolate is a great way of bonding and giving our dogs lots of beneficial exercise.

“Dog-friendly treats and games are remarkably easy to come by, or even make.”

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