Chocolate

Most of us find it hard to resist chocolate – whether as a special treat or a daily indulgence. Particularly around Valentine’s Day, when giving chocolate is common, it is hard not to indulge. Your dog may find it difficult to resist chocolate too, and this is where you come in.

Chocolate is no treat for our dogs. In fact, it can be toxic to them. It can make your dog ill and in some cases it can even be fatal. Never feed your dog chocolate, and make sure that all chocolate is stored safely out of your dog’s reach.

Why is chocolate dangerous to my dog’s

health?

Chocolate has a high fat content and, as a result, your dog may suffer vomiting and diarrhea after eating it. Even more serious is theobromine – this is the active ingredient in chocolate. It stimulates your dog’s nervous system and can lead to seizures or other harmful side effects.

Chocolate wrappers also pose a danger to your dog. Wrappers are a choking hazard: your dog may be attracted to the smell of chocolate on the wrapper, and may try to swallow it as a result. Dispose of wrappers in a place where your dog cannot get at them.

Is all chocolate dangerous for my dog?

The effect chocolate may have on your dog depends on his size, and how much and what kind of chocolate he ate. Baking chocolate contains a lot of theobromine, and is therefore very dangerous to your dog. Your dog could experience mild poisoning after eating only 0.1 ounces per pound of his body weight, or severe poisoning after eating 0.3 ounces per pound of body weight. Although there is less theobromine in some chocolate – for example, milk chocolate – this does not make it a safe treat for your dog. Mild poisoning may occur with 0.7 ounces of milk chocolate per pound of body weight, or severe poisoning at 2 ounces per pound of body weight. It’s important to remember that all chocolate is bad for your dog. This also goes for anything that contains chocolate – cookies, chocolate bars, baking supplies and candies.

What are the side effects?

Your dog may not show symptoms of chocolate poisoning right away. However, if he does, his symptoms may include muscle twitching, increased urination, increased panting and restlessness, vomiting and diarrhea.

What is the treatment?

If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate call your vet or emergency clinic immediately. In order to treat your dog you will be asked:

• How much chocolate do you suspect your dog has eaten, and when?
• What type of chocolate?
• What size is your dog – small, medium or large?

You may be advised to bring your dog in right away, or you may be given instructions to induce vomiting in your dog.

The good news?

Within 24 – 48 hours of treatment, most dogs treated for chocolate poisoning return to normal.

Keep Valentine’s Day happy by safely storing chocolate in high cupboards, out of your dog’s reach. If you want to give your dog a special treat on this day, spend some extra time playing with him, grooming him, or giving him an approved dog treat.