LONDON, 2016-Mar-24 — /EPR Retail News/ — Easter is a time for celebrations, chocolate and bank holiday weekends, but pet owners nationwide are being reminded that while the Easter holidays are fun for the family, there are potentially life-threatening dangers for our pets.
In the UK, 13 million (46%) households are pet owners*. Mislaid Easter eggs can be a tempting treat for the family’s four-legged friends, but theobromine, a chemical found in chocolate, is highly poisonous to dogs.
Latest figures from Debenhams Pet Insurance show that a third of all claims for pets ingesting chocolate fall over the Easter month with the average cost of a claim being just over £300. **
In one case Hudson, a beagle, ate an Easter egg and was rushed to the vet’s for treatment. Owner Debera said: “It is easy to forget how something as nice as a chocolate Easter eggs can cause dogs to become so ill and even die. When the worst happened and Hudson found Easter eggs left in the bedroom it was such a comfort to not have to worry about the cost of the vet, especially when we had to use an emergency out of hour’s service on Good Friday.
I found Hudson licking his lips with pleasure and as I was aware of the dangers of dogs eating chocolate I was able to take action straight away and avoid some very nasty symptoms and focus on his recovery.”
Director of Debenhams Personal Finance, Mike Hazell, said: “Sadly, we do see an increase in claims over Easter, usually down to mischievous dogs getting their paws on the family’s stash of Easter eggs. It is useful to remind pet owners that this tasty treat is potentially life threatening for their pets, so where possible make sure that Easter eggs are stored out of the reach of hungry pooches.”
Hazell added: “While some pet owners believe Pet Insurance can be an unnecessary expense, it is clear that when the worst happens, pet insurance is essential. With cover starting from just a couple of pound a week, peace of mind really is cheaper than most people think.”
Notes to Editors:
* Source PFMA commission
** Source Debenhams Pet Insurance and figure is an average of all claims made in 2015
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning for pets include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Increased body temperature
- Increased reflex responses
- Muscle rigidity
- Rapid breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Seizures
- Advanced signs (cardiac failure, weakness, and coma)
For more information on Debenhams Pet Insurance visit, www.debenhams.com/petinsurance
About Debenhams
Debenhams is a leading international, multi-channel brand with a proud British heritage which trades out of over 240 stores across 27 countries. Debenhams gives its customers around the world a unique, differentiated and exclusive mix of own brands, international brands and concessions.
Debenhams has been investing in British design for over 20 years through its exclusive Designers at Debenhams portfolio of brands. Current designers include Abigail Ahern, Jeff Banks, Giles Deacon, Jasper Conran, Savannah Miller, Sadie Frost and Jemima French, Patrick Grant, Henry Holland, Betty Jackson, Stephen Jones, Ben de Lisi, Todd Lynn, Julien Macdonald, Jenny Packham, Thea Bregazzi, Justin Thornton, Aliza Reger, John Rocha, Ashley Thomas, Justin Thornton, Eric Van Peterson and Matthew Williamson.
Source: Debenhams
CONTACT:
Laura Duncan
0141 225 3425
laura.duncan@debenhams.com
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