My Dog Ate Chocolate: Is It Safe?
Chocolate can be toxic to dogs, especially dark varieties. Learn the risks, symptoms, and urgent steps to take, read more to protect your dog’s health.
Chocolate is toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can be fatal if not treated promptly. When your dog eats chocolate your heart sinks and you start to do some quick math in your head - How much did he get? What type? When? Well you obviously acted fast and now it’s time for the next steps.
Chocolate is not safe for dogs. And the reason is chemistry.
Chocolate contains two stimulants: theobromine and caffeine. These are removed from the body quickly in humans, but are retained for much longer in canines. Canines metabolize theobromine very slowly, allowing it to reach toxic levels. The darker, more bitter, the chocolate the more theobromine it contains. Baking chocolate contains the most.
Why Chocolate Is Toxic to Dogs
Theobromine affects a dog’s:
- Heart
- Central nervous system
- Kidneys
- Muscles
Mild stomach upset may occur in animals that ingest a small amount. More serious signs may occur in animals that ingest a large amount including vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, abdominal pain, tachycardia that is resistant to propranolol and fever.
Dogs could get the following symptoms as a result of eating chocolates, the dog might not get too affected, but based on what kind of chocolate and how much of chocolate your dog ate, it could result in:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rapid heartbeat
- Restlessness or hyperactivity
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Collapse
As we’ve mentioned before, dogs and chocolate have a bit of a love affair. Unfortunately, this love can sometimes be deadly. Yes, it’s true that in extreme cases, chocolate can be toxic enough to kill a dog. We’re not being dramatic here; it’s a fact.
Not All Chocolates are Equal
The danger depends on the type and the amount consumed. Your kitty is especially at risk if he ingests dark or baking chocolate, as these varieties have more theobromine than other types of chocolate.
Milk chocolate contains less but can still be harmful in larger quantities.
White chocolate has a very small amount of theobromine, but it is very high in fat and sugar, which can cause pancreatitis and a host of other health problems related to the digestive system.
If your dog ate chocolate, three factors matter:
- The type of chocolate
- The amount consumed
- Your dog’s weight
A small dog with a small mouthful of dark chocolate is a different proposition to a large dog with a tiny mouthful of milk chocolate.
What Should You Do Immediately?
If your pet has eaten something and the event has occurred in the last 1 to 2 hours, please contact a veterinary doctor immediately. The most effective method of treating ingestion is to induce vomiting. Vomiting is a very effective method to remove toxins that have not been absorbed by the body.
Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
If your pet is already exhibiting signs of an overdose (such as tremors, seizures, hyperactivity) this is a veterinary emergency and you should contact your local animal hospital immediately. Please act quickly.
When you contact a vet, be ready with:
- Your dog’s weight
- Type of chocolate
- Estimated amount eaten
- Time since the chocolate was eaten
The more precise you are, the better the guidance will be.
How Long Do Symptoms Last?
Poison in the paragraphs here in the context means the compounds that are toxic in nature to the dogs.
The interval between ingestion of the poison and the manifestation of clinical symptoms (signs) can vary greatly depending on the poison, its dose, the size, concentration of the animal and other factors which may influence the time of onset. The range of time for the manifestation of signs after ingestion of a poison can be quite wide and considerable overlap can occur between different poisons. The time that clinical signs of poisoning are evident after exposure can also be quite long.
This is why prevention is always better than panic at the end hours.
How to Prevent It from Happening Again
Chocolates are one of the many everyday items that end up in the local vet. At this time of year it is not uncommon to have pets being presented to the clinic due to being fed chocolate. Some pets may have chocolate over the Christmas period, possibly due to Christmas, Easter celebrations or even a birthday. Animals do not always realise what is good and what is bad for them and in many cases can only smell and taste.
Simple prevention steps:
- Keep chocolate out of reach (counters are not always safe)
- Store baking ingredients in sealed cabinets
- Educate family members and guests
- Avoid leaving desserts unattended
If you love your dog, control the environment. That’s leadership.
What's the conclusion?
CHOCOLATE IS NEVER WORTH THE RISK!
Your dog may seem normal after eating chocolate, but there can be serious health consequences hours later. The toxic effects of chocolate can take up to 72 hours to develop. If you are unsure if your dog has eaten toxic chocolate, it is always best to be cautious and call your veterinarian as soon as possible. The sooner your veterinarian can treat your dog the better chance they have of survival.
And this is life in perspective. Dogs don't need the chocolate to be happy. They just need something else instead.
DOGS LOVE DOG CHEWS!
Our natural, tasty DogChews fulfill all of your dog’s needs for chewing and also help to keep your dog’s teeth and brain healthy. A far better reward for your dog than an old shoe or piece of furniture!
Protect their health. Reward them wisely.