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Vets warn about danger of Easter treats
Chocolate is toxic to dogs.

Cases of chocolate toxicity are known to spike over Easter.

With Easter fast approaching, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) has called on pet owners to make sure that chocolates and hot cross buns are kept out of the reach of pets.

The increased number of chocolate treats brought into homes over the Easter period often leads to a spike in cases of chocolate toxicity. Even a small amount of chocolate can be toxic for dogs, especially dark chocolate and cocoa powder.

Sixty per cent of vets had treated cases of chocolate poisoning during Easter, according to the BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession surveys from 2016-2018.

The symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs usually appear within 12 hours and can persist for up to three days. The first signs include excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhoea and restlessness. These symptoms can develop into hyperactivity, tremors, abnormal heart rate, rapid breathing and hyperthermia. Severe cases can result in fits, heartbeat irregularities, comas, and in the most serious cases, death.

Raisins and sultanas, often found in hot cross buns and Simnel cakes, are also toxic to dogs and cats.

BVA senior vice-president Justine Shotton said: “Sweet treats and egg hunts are a fun part of Easter for many families but it’s vital we all take steps to protect our pets and avoid cutting the celebrations short with an emergency trip to the vets. Chocolate eggs and bunnies, and even hot cross buns, may seem harmless but can be life-threatening for some pets, especially dogs, who can get extremely sick even from small amounts.

“As a vet, I've treated many cases of chocolate ingestion over the holidays. Luckily, the vast majority of pets were brought in quickly meaning we could treat them successfully. I’d urge every owner to be aware of the risks of chocolate and raisin or grape poisoning so they can act promptly should the worst happen.”

Further information about what to do in the event of pet poisoning can be found in the free 'Pets and Poisons' leaflet from the Animal Welfare Foundation.

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.