AN EAST Lancashire dogs charity has joined a national charity in warning dog owners not to let their four-legged friends eat chocolate this Easter.

Dogs Trust has launched its annual ‘Chocs Away’ awareness drive after almost half of dog owners admitted their dog had eaten chocolate.

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A survey from the charity revealed that more than 48 per cent of pet dogs had eaten chocolate intended for humans and more than five per cent had become seriously ill from it.

Of those, 15 per cent had required urgent veterinary treatment and in extreme cases the dogs sadly died from the effects of chocolate poisoning.

The survey also found four out of 10 dogs found the chocolate themselves after it was left in easy to find places in the home.

Paula Knowles, of Pendle Dogs In Need, said more people needed to know how dangerous chocolate could be to dogs.

She said: “It is toxic. Hot cross buns and raisins are just as bad as well.

“People think just a little bit is all right but it it simply a no go.

“If they do get hold of an egg and they do eat it, people need to get hold of a vet.

Dogs Trust veterinary director Paula Boyden said: “Apart from the risks of obesity and the dangers of eating the foil wrapping, the biggest risk of eating chocolate is poisoning.”