Easter chocolate toxic poisoning for dogs / signs of chocolate poisoning / what to do if dog ate chocolate / first published on Perfect cocker spaniel blog (C) Natalia Ashton
by Natalia

Easter chocolates & your dog

Chocolate-filled weekend is coming, so I wanted to write a little post about chocolate poisoning (that’s the spirit, right?)

Most people already know that chocolate is toxic for dogs. The darker the chocolate, the less of it is needed to make your dog ill.

White chocolate is not as dangerous as the milk and dark varieties because it contains practically no theobromine (about 0.75mg per 100g vs 1600mg per 100g of cooking dark chocolate). However, white chocolate can still cause diarrhoea and vomiting due to high fat content.

Signs of poisoning can take up to 12 hours to appear and may take up to several days to clear up.

Signs of chocolate poisoning include…
…vomiting
…diarrhoea
…heavy breathing
…increased heart rate
…increased urination
…anxiety and restlessness
…muscle tremors
…seizures
…sudden death

If your dog ate chocolate, take them to the vets immediately. Tell the vet how much chocolate was eaten. Take the wrapper with you for extra information. The vet will stimulate vomiting using hydrogen peroxide and give the dog activated charcoal tablets to absorb theobromine (do not try to do it at home unless you know how!)

Avoid the risk by keeping any form of chocolate out of your dog’s reach. Remind your guests and kids not to give your spaniel any chocolate-containing treats.

Carob is a chocolate-like ingredient that can be given to dogs. If you choose to buy carob dog treats, always check the label for unwanted ingredients such as sugar, derivatives of animal or vegetable origin, milk, unspecified fats and oils, just to name a few.

Better still, stick with super safe and nutritious options like carrots, eggs, yummy cooked chicken or dog biscuits. Trust me, your cocker will not complain!

Photo source: image by Vratsagirl from Pixabay

by Natalia

I wrote a book

Three years of my life, two gorgeous dogs and a bucket of tears. That’s what it took me to get from an idea of writing a book to publishing Perfect cocker spaniel.

As surreal as it sounds, I wrote a book. An actual book!

Why? Because it was my way to keep the memory of Oscar alive. Because I love books. And dogs. And simply because I wanted to share everything I knew about English cocker spaniels with both the new puppy parents and absolutely everyone who simply adores the breed as much as I do (and I can talk about cockers 24/7, so it’s practically a disease!)

What is it about? Everything. I’ve complied a massive Theory to encourage cocker parents to understand their dogs and give them the most appropriate care (and all the love they deserve). There’s a chapter about health, and another one – on first aid. There are chapters on grooming and hand-stripping because I get asked so many questions about my boys’ beauty routine. And of course, there’s another huge chapter on dog’s nutrition and diet.

Once you (fuelled by caffeine and inappropriate thoughts of killing me on the spot for torturing your brain) get through the first part, you are rewarded with an easy-to-follow guide for puppy parents. It’s like diving into the world of unicorns and sparkles. Plus a dash of reality. But I promise, you will enjoy it!

The reason I went so deep with writing a guide that, in its physical form, would weight a ton, is my own experience of attending a year-long study course before I had my first puppy. By the time he was born I could discuss anything from dog’s anatomy and physiology, breeds, nutrition and training to breeding and raising puppies. I could cook meals for my dogs and knew how to show them.

In other words, I knew exactly what I was getting myself into, so the feeling of responsibility was palpable.

A lot has changed since then but the way I perceive my role of puppy’s mum remains the same. I truly believe that anyone must have a solid knowledge of finding, welcoming and raising a dog. And this core knowledge must be obtained before the puppy is here because puppy parenthood is not an easy ride and the puppy – is not a toy, it’s an actual living and breathing little being who completely relies on his parents to live, thrive and grow into a beautiful and healthy dog!

I wrote this book for Oscar. I wrote it for the love of my beautiful boys. I wrote it for every English cocker spaniel out there because they are simply the best dogs one could have!

If you agree with me, Perfect Cocker Spaniel is the book for you. Do let me know what you think of it. But, please, be gentle.

Photo source: the cover is designed by me, the portrait of Cooper is by Sandra Chiocchetti

Fred, 2 months old chocolate and tan english cocker spaniel puppy / how to help puppy settle in new home / first puppy tips and advice / first published on Perfect cocker spaniel blog (C) Natalia Ashton
by Natalia

Q&A | How to help a puppy settle in his new home?

I may be rubbish at many things but helping my new pups feel happy at their new home is something I’ve never had problems with.

As a list-obsessed person I’ve come up with a set of my own rules. Tick-done-tick-done. Works every time. There are no crying puppies in this house.

And here it is…

… create a calm and cosy house to come to;
… get a toy or puppy blanket from the breeder with the scent of mum & litter mates;
… get a safe & snuggly cleanable bed that pup can’t destroy (plastic ones are best, use VetBed & puppy blankets to make them warm & comfy);
… allow the pup plenty of time to sleep & relax;
… use the food & feeding schedule given by the breeder;
… share the room/bedroom with the pup to start with;
… allow puppy to explore his new home, but limit him to 1-2 rooms for the first few weeks;
… explain puppy do’s & don’t’s to the kids;
… don’t invite visitors for the first few days (even better, wait until the quarantine is over);
… don’t hesitate to phone the breeder for help & advice.

Got any puppy questions? Just ask!

Photo source: Fred, photographed by me