Consuming chocolate poisons dogs: that much is a well-known fact. To a certain extent, dogs can eat chocolate without ill effect. However, consumption of different quantities and types of chocolate may have different physical effects. Because none of these effects are positive ones, dogs benefit the most simply by not consuming chocolate.
-
Chocolate Poisoning (Intoxication)
-
Dogs are attracted to sweet foods; therefore, all dogs are at risk of chocolate poisoning (intoxication).
Chocolate poisoning is caused by a chemical, theobromine, which belongs to the xanthenes family of drugs. Caffeine, another component of chocolate, is also considered a poison to dogs.
The quantity of chocolate required to poison a dog varies based on the weight of the dog and the type of chocolate consumed. According to Vet Info, ̶0;theobromine is toxic to a dog if ingested in quantities of 100 to 150mg/kg. Theobromine content in milk chocolate is 6 mg/oz; in semi-sweet chocolate, 22 mg/oz; and, in baking chocolate, 35 to 45 mg/oz. Milk chocolate poses a relatively minor risk, but causes diarrhea in a dog, which must be treated all the same.̶1;
Effects and Symptoms
-
Symptoms of chocolate intoxication are not immediate. According to Clare Bristow, a Dog Topic author, they can appear between four and twenty-four hours after the dog has eaten the chocolate.
Because theobromine attacks several of the dogs systems, chocolate toxicity can cause a variety of symptoms including hyper-excitability, increased heart rate and urination, muscle tremors or seizures, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The earliest symptoms of chocolate intoxication include drooling, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, these symptoms can also appear in dogs that are affected by chocolate̵7;s high fat and sugar content, who may not be experiencing chocolate intoxication at all.
The effects of chocolate intoxication can pass within one to three days following successful treatment.
Emergency Treatment of Chocolate Poisoning
-
Dogs that consume chocolate and show no signs of intoxication may not require treatment. However, if the dog has been seen to consume chocolate, it is always important to consult a veterinarian about potential treatment.
Chocolate toxicity is not necessarily fatal; however, no treatment exists for the condition as such.
Force the dog to vomit as quickly as possible after the chocolate is consumed.
Give the dog activated charcoal to eat, to prevent the theobromine from being absorbed
Bring dogs that are showing signs of kidney involvement, such as the inability to control urination, to the vet as quickly as is possible. A veterinarian will be able to treat this symptom using specialized equipment and intravenous fluids.
Dogs that experience mild chocolate intoxication may recover completely, with no long-lasting physical effects.
-