Understanding the Dangers of Feeding Chocolate to Dogs
Dogs, unlike cats, enjoy chocolate as much as humans do. While the dark treat is appealing to humans, it is poisonous to dogs.
That isn't to say that a candy bar will kill your dog right away. Poison is administered in the form of dosages. While large dogs should be able to tolerate a small amount of chocolate, smaller breeds may have major issues.
While it is normal for your dog to eat chocolate, you should never give it to them. Chocolate is generally toxic to dogs, so keep it out of their reach.
The Problem with Chocolate for Dogs
Theobromine, a chemical compound, is found in dark chocolate and cocoa. Theobromine is an astringent alkaloid that has a mild stimulant effect on the human body.
Theobromine has been linked to lower blood pressure, improved focus and concentration, and elevated mood. That's what we're all about. Like caffeine, theobromine raises the heart rate and nervous system activity in dogs. Dogs cannot break down theobromine in the same way that humans can, which makes the substance toxic for their bodies.
Chocolate toxicity occurs at a dose of 20 mg theobromine per kilogram of body weight. Cardiovascular symptoms appear at doses of 40-50 mg/kg, and dangerous seizures appear at doses of 60 mg/kg.
Darker, purer chocolates are the most dangerous because of their high theobromine content. Theobromine is present in the following amounts per 100 grams in various chocolate/cocoa products, such as cocoa powder, baking chocolate, 70% dark chocolate, white chocolate.
Chocolate poisoning occurs in dogs after consuming 3.5g dark chocolate or 14g milk chocolate per kilogram of body weight.
Symptoms of Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs
Choco poisoning most commonly affects the heart, central nervous system, and kidneys. After consuming an excessive amount of chocolate, your dog's symptoms will typically appear six to twelve hours later and can last up to 72 hours.
The symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, muscle tremors, and internal bleeding. When left unattended, chocolate poisoning may be fatal to dogs.
What to Do When Your Dog Ingests Chocolate
If you suspect your dog has consumed chocolate, seek advice from your veterinarian. Depending on the size of your dog and the amount and type of chocolate consumed, the vet may advise you to keep an eye on him for poisoning symptoms or to bring him in right away.
If your veterinarian believes your pet has recently been exposed to potentially harmful chocolate poisoning, he or she may induce vomiting. To add, activated charcoal is occasionally given to dogs to aid in the removal of toxins from the body prior to their entry into the bloodstream.
In severe poisoning cases, the veterinarian may administer medications and/or intravenous fluids.
Conclusion
Nothing says that dogs do not enjoy chocolate as much as humans do. Unfortunately, many dog owners are unaware that chocolate can poison their pets and purposefully give them chocolate treats. It’s also worth noting that chocolate poisoning in dogs is most common during the Christmas, Easter, and Valentine's Day holidays. So, keep these special occasions in mind.
Knowing that chocolate can be harmful to your pet is insufficient justification. Thus, it must never be given to them, even if they beg for it. As a responsible pet owner, you must store chocolate on a high shelf, preferably in a closed pantry.
Are you looking for a pet store in Bentonville? Earthwise Pet Supply & Grooming Bentonville is here to give your dog the best care. With our selection of quality products and our trained staff, your dog will never be short of their needs and treats. Visit us today!