Chocolate Poisoning and Your Dog
How many times have you been eating those chocolate chip cookies with milk when you look over and see those soulful puppy dog eyes staring at you? While the saddest begging look creeps across his face and he lets out the most pathetic whimper, a dog wanting chocolate can weaken the most stoic dog owner.
Don't give in, ever. You must stay firm.
DON'T LET THEM GET THE TASTE FOR CHOCOLATE!
First and foremost, it must be said that dogs must NOT eat chocolate. No matter how pathetic he looks at you, no matter how much he whines, let me repeat, dogs must NOT eat chocolate. Keep ALL forms of chocolate out of his reach and locked away at all times.
Keep in mind that once dogs have tasted chocolate, they want more. The problem, according to veterinary experts, is that eating just a speck of chocolate leads a dog to crave more. They become addicted to chocolate very easily. It can mean that your dog will jump at any opportunity to get any type of chocolate and chocolate can kill.
Keep in mind that once dogs have tasted chocolate, they want more. The problem, according to veterinary experts, is that eating just a speck of chocolate leads a dog to crave more. They become addicted to chocolate very easily. It can mean that your dog will jump at any opportunity to get any type of chocolate and chocolate can kill.
Causes of ChocolateToxicity in Dogs
Chocolate poisoning is caused by excessive intake of the methylxanthine alkaloids . Methylxanthine alkaloids are naturally occurring drugs (primarily theobromine and caffeine) that can be found in chocolate, coffee, tea, cola beverages and some over-the-counter stimulants. Chocolate preparations contain different concentrations of these active compounds. One of the methylxanthine alkaloids is an element called theobromine, which is lethal to dogs, and another is theophylline, which is similar to caffeine.The amount of theobromine found in chocolate is small enough that chocolate can be safely consumed by humans in large quantities, but dogs metabolize theobromine slower and can easily consume enough chocolate to cause chocolate poisoning. Dogs are the most common victims of theobromine chocolate poisoning.
The poisoning affects many organ systems, and animals of all ages are susceptible. These drugs cause constricted blood vessels; rapid and weak heart beat; and stimulate the nervous system. Nervous system stimulation leads to hyperactivity, tremors, and seizures. The heart rate becomes increasingly rapid and irregular. The theobromine will remain in their bloodstream for up to 20 hours.
In most cases, dogs are poisoned by eating the processed chocolate used in sweets, baked goods, and chocolate bars. Since these products contain high concentrations of theobromine and caffeine, and dogs love the way they taste, chocolate poisoning is common because of the way they gobble down just about anything and everything.
Puppies and young dogs are especially susceptible as they may be more likely to ingest large amounts of unusual foods. Since chocolate is very often available and dogs enjoy the taste, access to chocolate goodies has become a real problem, with more and more cases of dog chocolate poisoning on the uprise.
The Quantity of Theobromine Will Vary with the Different Types of Chocolate
Listed below are chocolate types containing theobromine.
This list starts with the type of chocolate that has the largest quantity and moves down to the type of chocolate with the least amount.Cocoa Beans
Baking Chocolate
Cocoa Powder
Dark Chocolate
Chocolate Cocktail Mixes
Chocolate Syrup
Milk Chocolate
Lite Chocolate Syrup
Chocolate Milk Mixes
White Chocolate
In answer to the amount of theobromine that can be found in various types of chocolate, Hershey's Chocolate has provided a chart listing the theobromine quantities in their chocolate products.
Symptoms of Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs
The first symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased urination. These symptoms will occur 2 to 4 hours after intake, and chocolate in the vomit may be obvious. Excessive urination may result from the diuretic (water clearing) action of the chocolate.Advanced signs of chocolate poisoning include cardiac arrhythmias, hallucinations, stiffness, epileptic seizures, muscle twitching, excitement, extreme responses to noise, light, and touch.
Internal bleeding, heart failure, weakness, coma, and eventually death can occur 12 to 36 hours after intake.
Chocolate poisoning can be confused with many other types of poisoning or conditions. Life threatening chemical poisoning can cause very similar effects.
Chemicals such as strychnine, amphetamines, pesticides, and some rodenticides can have mirror effects.
A typical 40 pound dog will normally experience intestinal distress after eating less than 8 ounces of dark chocolate, but won't necessarily experience bradycardia (a slow heartbeat rate) or tachyarrhythmia (an increase in heart rate) unless it eats at least a pound of milk chocolate.
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, approximately 0.023 ounces of baker's chocolate per pound of a dog's body weight is sufficient to cause symptoms of toxicity. For example, a typical 1 ounce baker's chocolate piece would be enough to bring out symptoms in a 40 pound dog.
My Dog Ate Chocolate - Now What?
The Steps To Take If Your Dog Should Eat Chocolate
If a dog eats chocolate, immediate induction of vomiting is the best. This can only be done within the first two hours of ingestion. Vomiting can be induced by putting a small amount of vanilla ice cream in a bowl (for taste!) mixed with hydrogen peroxide (amount depends on the weight of the dog) and a teaspoon of salt.
Whatever you do, DO NOT induce vomiting with salt water. You will induce salt toxicity instead of vomiting and can cause seizures.
Save a sample of the vomit, for analysis, and take both the dog and the sample to the veterinarian immediately.
If, on the other hand, your dog is having a seizure, do NOT attempt to induce vomiting.
Call your veterinarian immediately for advice, before bringing him in to the clinic.
If a combination of chocolate ingestion, vomiting, nervousness, or weakness are seen, take your dog to your vet immediately and again, if possible, bring a sample of the vomit with you for analysis, since this may aid in rapid identification of the toxic substance.
Your veterinarian will examine your dog's nervous system and cardiac function. He may want to test the blood and urine for concentrations of sugar(glucose) and the active ingredient in the chocolate.
Chocolate poisoning in dogs progresses rapidly and symptoms may need to be treated symptomatically until a laboratory diagnosis is confirmed.
If you dog is a medium size to large size dog that has gotten a little bit of chocolate ice cream. I wouldn't be too concerned as there is very little chocolate there. It is mostly milk and sugar. With a smaller dog I would keep a close eye on him.
Whatever you do, DO NOT induce vomiting with salt water. You will induce salt toxicity instead of vomiting and can cause seizures.
Save a sample of the vomit, for analysis, and take both the dog and the sample to the veterinarian immediately.
If, on the other hand, your dog is having a seizure, do NOT attempt to induce vomiting.
Call your veterinarian immediately for advice, before bringing him in to the clinic.
If a combination of chocolate ingestion, vomiting, nervousness, or weakness are seen, take your dog to your vet immediately and again, if possible, bring a sample of the vomit with you for analysis, since this may aid in rapid identification of the toxic substance.
Your veterinarian will examine your dog's nervous system and cardiac function. He may want to test the blood and urine for concentrations of sugar(glucose) and the active ingredient in the chocolate.
Chocolate poisoning in dogs progresses rapidly and symptoms may need to be treated symptomatically until a laboratory diagnosis is confirmed.
If you dog is a medium size to large size dog that has gotten a little bit of chocolate ice cream. I wouldn't be too concerned as there is very little chocolate there. It is mostly milk and sugar. With a smaller dog I would keep a close eye on him.
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Cure for Dog Eating Chocolate
There is no antidote
There is no antidote for chocolate poisoning.
Your veterinarian may use drugs to induce vomiting if the chocolate was consumed within the previous 2 - 4 hours.
He may also use a stomach tube and fluids to flush the stomach of the chocolate, followed by an activated charcoal treatment, to prevent any of the drugs from being absorbed into the system.
In dogs with advanced symptoms, specialized medications are needed to control the seizures and to correct the rapid and weak heartbeat in order to prevent heart failure.
Your veterinarian may use drugs to induce vomiting if the chocolate was consumed within the previous 2 - 4 hours.
He may also use a stomach tube and fluids to flush the stomach of the chocolate, followed by an activated charcoal treatment, to prevent any of the drugs from being absorbed into the system.
In dogs with advanced symptoms, specialized medications are needed to control the seizures and to correct the rapid and weak heartbeat in order to prevent heart failure.
Prognosis
The expected course of chocolate poisoning is 12 to 36 hours depending on the dosage and effectiveness of treatment.
Prognosis is good if the chocolate is removed within 2 to 4 hours of ingestion. Prognosis is guarded in animals with advanced signs such as seizures and serious heart dysfunction.
Prognosis is good if the chocolate is removed within 2 to 4 hours of ingestion. Prognosis is guarded in animals with advanced signs such as seizures and serious heart dysfunction.
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Prevention
The ASPCA, Susan Thorpe-Vargas, M.S, Ph.D. in her article "Poisoned," strongly encourages pet owners to be prepared for a poisoning.When time can make the difference between life and death, it is important that you know the immediate steps to take and have the first-aid tools on hand to take those steps.
To be prepared, get knowledgeable. You'll avoid panic if you have educated yourself. Keep your vet's phone number handy. Keep the phone number close to the phone at home and enter your vet's phone number into your cell phone.
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10 Steps to Keeping Your Dog Safe During Holiday Parties
Each holiday seasons, such as Halloween, Easter, Christmas, Valentine's Day and Mother's Day, veterinarians witness an increase in accidental chocolate poisoning in dogs.
The majority of pet owners do not realize that their homes are potential for disaster.Keep in mind that theobromine, caffeine and theophylline molecules which are all naturally occurring molecules that are toxic to dogs are found in several foods, plants, beverages and medications.
For instance, common plants such as azaleas, rhododendron, and foxglove can all cause heart failure if ingested.
1. Keep these substances up and away from your pets.
2. Do not leave food unattended. Dogs definitely have a sweet tooth and even a well trained dog may be tempted to snatch a treat, counter-surf, or raid the the inside garbage bins as well as the outside garbage can when no one is paying attention.
Make sure garbage and leftovers are safely disposed of right away. Put a heavy item on all outside garbage can lids so that stray or wild animals cannot get into the trash as well.
3. Dog-proof your home to keep your dog safe. No chocolate of any kind should ever be given to your pet and it should be kept well out of his reach. All chocolate should be kept in closed containers on high shelves in latched cupboards.
Raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, onion, onion powder, apple seeds and pear seeds are all toxic to dogs.
4. During social gatherings, remember to advise your guest, both kids and adults, not to give your dogs anything except their normal treats. Rich foods may cause a painful pancreatitis, and guests may not be aware of the dangers that are obvious to you.
Some people are under the false impression that a dog can eat anything. Kindly show them what treats are available for them to feed Fido.
5. When having a party, if at all possible, keep your dogs in a separate room with some toys and a comfortable place to lie down. Play some soft music, especially classical, to help them relax. Pets that have their own room will feel safer, less stressed, and won't be able to accidentally escape to the buffet table or out the front door.
6. If the holiday you are celebrating involves wrapped gifts, and you have a chewer in house, keep the gifts up off the floor and on a table out of reach. Puppies chewing on ribbon can choke and /or get strangled.
7. Christmas tree lights may create a hazard. If the tree is too large to put up on a table away from the dog, then make sure that the wires from the lights are not hanging down where they can be grabbed by the puppy to chew.
8. Keep glass ornaments and tinsel, during the Christmas season, up out of reach on higher branches. Puppies can again choke on the tinsel and glass ornaments tend to break. You don't want your Grandmother's heirloom ornaments broken, nor do you want your puppy swallowing broken glass.
9. Consider getting Dog Insurance to protect your self and your pup against any unforeseen circumstance that may arise.
10. Lastly, keep current identification on your dog at all times. With holiday parties and guests abounding, your pet may have more opportunities to escape. Buy a new Pet ID Tag with personalized engravings for your pet.
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And Keep Them Away From Chocolate
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1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
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4. Mix in the flour by pouring it in slowly and pulsing until the dough forms a ball.
This normally takes somewhere between 2-3 cups of flour.
5. Add a little flour to your table top and knead in the remaining flour so you get the dough smooth and no longer sticky. This should take you about 3 - 4 minutes.
6. Roll out the dough to about 1-in (2 cm) thick.
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Dogs Eating What?
Please Don't Do What Some of These Idiots Are Doing. Don't be temped to feed your dog chocolate.
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alslad
This lens would be a wonderful addition to the Gone to The Dogs group! Posted July 15, 2008 |
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hearthealth
Wow, this is my first time to hear about keeping dogs off chocolate. Thanks, wouldnt want anything to happen to my tyrannical Shih Tzu! 5* and faved! Posted July 04, 2008 |
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richgerman
thanks i learned a lot:) hehhehe as what petportraitartist said if there is 100 stars ill give it all to you! very informative lens especially for dog lovers. Posted July 02, 2008 |
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dogswish
Arrff wooof yap yappa wufff!!! Posted June 16, 2008 |
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bshearer43
Great Site! I REALLY loved learning about the chocolate issues for dogs. I have three dogs of my own but only one gives us trouble with food and stuff so I am becoming more of a "The Dog Whisperer" just for here. Posted April 05, 2008 |
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Number7
Wow, what an informative lens on this topic. It is interesting how many types of foods we eat are actually harmful to dogs like grapes. It makes you want to examine more fully every aspect of your dogs overall health, and be more careful in what you give them to eat. Good job! Posted March 10, 2008 |
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Jesisca
Fabulous depth of research; your lens really expands my knowledge about the negative impact chocolate can cause to my dog. 5 stars for you. Posted February 22, 2008 |
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