Chocolate Poisoning
In Puppies & Dogs
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Chocolates,
the scrumptious delicacies made from cocoa beans. Who does
not love chocolates and the the feelings of getting lost in the
delicious aroma. However, this sweet fantasy is a toxic bite for our
canine friends. Chocolate poisoning in dogs is a very serious dog health
problem. Not many dog owners are aware of the lethal effects of
chocolate on their dogs health.
Thus, chocolate poisoning in dogs is a very common dog health issue
faced by owners as well as vets. Let us go into the details of why
chocolate is bad for dogs.
What is Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs
When you are enjoying your bar of chocolate, your pooch will sit near
your feet with expressions begging for a bite. Do no let your heart melt
like chocolate, and tell your pooch 'No chocolate' firmly. Yes, you may
be breaking his heart, but you are saving his life. Once you give your
dog a chocolate, he will keep wanting more and more. This is bad. It's
not just going to cost him his teeth like a 5 year old addicted to
chocolate. It will lead to serious complications due to chocolate
poisoning.
Why is chocolate bad for dogs?
Chocolates are made from cocoa beans, that contain a natural stimulant
compound theobromine. This theobromine affects the urination, central
nervous system and even the heart muscles. The amount of theobromine
vary in different types of chocolates. It is this theobromine that is
poisonous to dogs.
Dark chocolate poisoning in dogs is the most common, as it contains as
much as 16mg of theobromine per gram of chocolate. The toxic dose for a
dog of chocolate is about 100 - 200mg/kg. However, the toxic level can
be even lower than 20mg/kg for dogs. Thus, dark chocolate poisoning in
dogs is due to the 16.3g of theobromine eaten in one go by the dog.
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual the approximate theobromine
levels present in different types of chocolates are as follows:
- Dry cocoa powder - 800 mg/oz
- Cocoa bean mulch - 255 mg/oz
- Milk chocolate - 44-64 mg Theobromine per oz chocolate
- Unsweetened (Baker's) chocolate - 450 mg/oz
- sweet dark chocolate and Semisweet chocolate - 150-160 mg/oz
- White chocolate contains an insignificant source of methylxanthines
Symptoms of Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs
After ingestion of chocolates, the symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs can be as follows:
- The dog is excited, nervous or trembles abnormally
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive thirst
- Excessive urination due to high levels of theobromine
- Muscle spasms
- Dog seizures
- Increase body temperature
- Muscle rigidity
- Rapid breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Extreme response to noise, light and even touch
- Heart failure, coma, death are extremely rare
How to Treat Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs
If
you observe symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs or dogs eating
chocolates more than normal, you should immediately call the
veterinarian. The
toxicity of chocolate depends on the size of the dog, type of dog and
the quantity of chocolate eaten. There is no specific antidote available
for treating chocolate poisoning in dogs. The veterinarian may use some
supportive therapies to reduce the amount of theobromine in the body
and treating chocolate poisoning in dogs. He may give the dog IV fluids
to prevent dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea, excessive urination
and to flush out the theobromine. Emetics may be given to induce
vomiting and within 4 hours of ingestion of chocolates. If the ingestion
period is more than 4 hours and the dog continues to show signs of
toxicity, then the doctor may use activated charcoal. Seizures in dogs
are treated with anti-seizures medications. Those with irregular or
excessive heartbeat will be given cardiac medications.
This was some information related to treating chocolate poisoning in
dogs. Humans can break down theobromine effectively, but a canine's body
cannot. If you love your dog, do not give him chocolates. I know, I
know, its hard to resist those begging eyes. But, you need to be
stone-hearted when it comes to dog care
and avoiding feeding the dog chocolates. Make sure you instruct the
kids never to share their chocolates with the dog. Chocolates can be a
sinful pleasure for humans, but for a dog it can lead to a painful bite.
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