Eating chocolate is something many of us plan on doing this Christmas but for one sweet-toothed pooch it almost proved fatal.

Lily, a 14-year-old Parsons Russell Terrier from Twydall, Gillingham, required urgent veterinary assistance after she polished off at least four chocolate Santas.

The hungry hound helped herself to the low-hanging treats from the family Christmas tree.

Owner Jenny Pomroy walked into the sitting room to find decorations and tinsel all over the floor.

“Lily must have climbed the sofa and pulled everything off to get to the chocolate," she said.

"The foil wrappers were gone, so she must have eaten these too!"

The 38-year old had heard how chocolate can be poisonous to the dogs and so rushed Lily to the PDSA Pet Hospital in Gillingham straight away.

There she was assessed by vets who administered a drug to safely make her sick.

She was then given medication to prevent her body from absorbing any remaining toxins.

PDSA Vet Soo Ming Teoh, said it was lucky Jenny had brought in the chocoholic canine when she did as it could have been much worse.

The doctor said: “Chocolate toxicity is a real concern and her owners were really sensible to bring her straight down to us.

"The amount she ate was dangerous for such a small dog and it could have been fatal if she’d been left untreated. The wrappers were an additional worry, as there’s a chance they could have caused a dangerous gut blockage."

Sadly the results of Lily's blood tests revealed she wasn't "out the woods" quite yet.

She needed to be placed on a drip to help support her kidneys and was monitored by vets for the next two days.

“Lily was incredibly lucky she didn’t suffer fatal kidney damage, and thankfully she was able to go home in time for Christmas," the doctor added.

Now Jenny and the vets which saved her pooches' life are encouraging other dog owners to keep chocolate well out of the reach of their pet's paws.

Dr Soo Ming Teoh adds: "With the festive season here, many of us will have lots of treats, sweets and chocolates in the house.

"But while Christmas is a time for indulgence, remember that some foods that are safe for us can be harmful to our pets.

"Foods including mince pies, chocolate, onions, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, sage-and-onion stuffing and Christmas cake can all be harmful.”

“Instead of giving pets extra food, treat them with some quality time by taking your dog for more walks or giving your cat extra playtime.”

To help avoid a festive fiasco this Christmas, PDSA has put together a free pet survival guide, which you can read here.

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