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Vets issue chocolate warning to pet owners
The majority of vets still see urgent cases of chocolate poisoning over the Easter period.
One in eight vets treated five or more cases over Easter 2017

The BVA has issued a warning to pet owners about storing chocolate safely, as new figures show that 62 per cent of vets saw at least one case of chocolate poisoning over the Easter holidays last year.

The organisation’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession Survey found that the majority of vets still see urgent cases over the Easter period because chocolate treats have not been kept out of reach. Whilst most vets saw an average of two cases of chocolate poisoning, an average of one in eight treated five or more cases - more than double the figure reported over the previous two years.

Commenting on the findings, BVA president John Fishwick said: “Easter is a time of great fun for the whole family, but chocolate treats meant for humans can be poisonous for our pets. Dogs, in particular, have a keen sense of smell and can easily sniff out sweet treats, so make sure any chocolate goodies are stored securely out of reach of inquisitive noses to avoid an emergency trip to the vet.”

He continued: “If you suspect that your dog has eaten chocolate, don’t delay in contacting your local vet. The quicker the animal gets veterinary advice and treatment, the better. Your vet will want to know how much chocolate your dog has eaten and what type. If possible, keep any labels and have the weight of the dog to hand.”

BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey is a bi-annual survey of vets drawn from BVA members. It captures the profession’s views and experiences by asking questions about animals health and welfare, public health and trends in the veterinary practice.

The May 2017 Voice of the Veterinary Profession Survey asked 372 vets across the UK if they saw any cases of chocolate poisoning in companion animals over the 2017 Easter holidays.

Information for owners on pets and poisons can be found at www.bva-awf.org.uk/pet-care-advice/pets-and-poisons

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Submissions open for BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026

News Story 1
 The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.

It is an opportunity for applicants to present new research on any veterinary subject, such as the preliminary results of a study, discussion of a new technique or a description of an interesting case.

They must be based on high-quality clinical research conducted in industry, practice or academia, and summarised in 250 words.

Applications are welcome from vets, vet nurses, practice managers, and students.

Submissions are open until 6 March 2026. 

Click here for more...
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Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk