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Blue Cross reminds pet owners of Easter chocolate dangers
In 2021, Blue Cross treated 40 pets who had been rushed into their animal hospitals with suspected poisoning from eating chocolate.

An award-winning chocolatier has teamed up to spread the message.

National pet charity Blue Cross has collaborated with Paul A Young, an award-winning chocolatier, to remind pet owners of the danger that chocolate can pose to pets this Easter.

Paul A Young, chocolatier, pâtissier and television personality, urged pet owners to keep chocolate away from pets: “Chocolate is of course a big part of my life, and so is my beloved dachshund Billi - but very importantly, the two must always be kept apart!

“With Easter coming up I want to remind those with dogs and cats, that while us humans are looking forward to eating our delicious Easter eggs, chocolate must never be given to our pets. 

“By ensuring that all chocolate eggs and treats are kept well out of their reach, everyone can enjoy a safe and happy Easter together.”

Blue Cross shared a link to advice on chocolate, and Caroline Reay, head of Veterinary Services at Blue Cross, said: “Whilst it is a delicious treat for humans, chocolate can be extremely toxic to cats and dogs and should never be fed to them.

"It contains a chemical, theobromine, which is a bit like caffeine and is toxic to dogs and cats.

“As a general rule, the darker the chocolate, the higher the levels of theobromine become. It really is best to avoid your pets getting access to any sort of chocolate.

"If you have seen your pet eat something that they shouldn’t, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Call your vet immediately and ask for their advice.”

 

Images (C) Blue Cross

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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue reaches Wales for first time in 2025

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has revealed that bluetongue has been confirmed in Wales for the first time in 2025.

In their latest statistics, APHA records a total of 109 cases of BTV-3 or BTV-8 in Great Britain in the 2025-2026 vector season.

The total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain this season is 107. This includes 103 cases within the England restricted zone and four cases in Wales.

There has also been two cases of BTV-8, which were both in Cornwall.

As a result of the cases in Wales, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) is enforced in Monmouthshire. Animals can move freely under general license within the England Restricted Zone, however animals with suspected bluetongue must stay on their holding.

All premises testing positive for blue tongue can be viewed on this map.