mypetfriends.co.uk

...And when we talk about the love of your life, we know that just like our owners, this will most probably be your pet.  As pets, we give you unconditional love, so it’s no surprise that many pet owners feel this way, but some surveys carried out strongly support this point suggesting that some pet owners may love their pets more than their partners.
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It’s a bit of light hearted fun for many, but for some splashing out on lavish gifts for their pets is a must (some of those gifts look gorgeous, its a pity we are only ‘virtual’ pets so can’t enjoy them too).  The My Pet Friends team have seen toys shaped like hearts, biscuits and foods shaped into hearts, as well as outfits and even cat and dog friendly chocolates.  And it is the latter that we wanted to explore in this months blog. 
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Chocolate is the gift of choice for many, but pet owners need to be aware of the dangerous effects that chocolate made for human consumption can have on pets.  Our owners have all done it – sitting there enjoying the sweet, creamy, silky texture of their favourite chocolate, they catch us looking at them and, out of what they think is kindness and love, they give us a piece to share in their enjoyment.  But by doing so, what they may not realise is that chocolate made for human consumption can be fatal to cats and dogs because it contains a chemical called theobromine.
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Owners may not notice any immediate signs when giving their pet chocolate, but chocolate ingestion can lead to liver, pancreas and kidney failure as well as causing other neurological disorders.  Theobromine is a diuretic and a heart stimulant which can cause the heart rate to increase and beat irregularly; other immediate signs of chocolate poisoning include diarrhoea, rapid breathing and vomiting.  These may subside after a short while, but more serious conditions include tremors, seizures, comas and sudden death. 
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Some pet owners who already give their dog chocolate might think ‘well, it hasn’t harmed my dog’ – but it’s only a matter of time.  Some of the changes are subtle and the effects may accumulate over time.   If you have given your pet chocolate, or suspect your dog has ingested chocolate, and is showing any of the signs of chocolate poisoning mentioned above, seek the advice and help of your vet.  They will be able to induce vomiting and give your dog other treatments to prevent any further theobromine getting into their system. 
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Kitty & Teddy’s Pet Care Guide to Prevent Chocolate Poisoning in Pets
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We only have three simple and easy to follow tips to share with you here:
• Don’t give your cat or dog chocolate – ever!  Even just a little bit, or if you have done so in the past and not noticed any adverse effects.
• Keep chocolate away from your dogs reach – so no chocolate decorations on that Christmas tree.
• You can give your pet chocolate drops that are specially made for cat and dog consumption.  These and other dog-friendly chocolate products are available from many pet shops and pet stores.
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We hope you found this useful, come back and see us again soon,
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Kitty & Teddy
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Pet shops, pet stores, pet directory – the movers and shakers
We are loving the products on offer at Penfro Pets – check out their great offers at http://www.mypetfriends.co.uk/Penfro-Pets.html  
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Pet product of the month
Our very own pet directory!  If you are a pet business owner, register your business for free and reach thousands of pet owners over the web.   Register to upload your details at this link  http://www.mypetfriends.co.uk/index.php?option=com_pl&lang=en&task=register
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Pet tip of the month
Anthony James, Cardiff: if you give your pets treats, cut or break them up into smaller bits so you don’t overfeed them.