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Chocolate Toxicity in DogsThis page focuses on chocolate toxicity in dogs - Learn about the symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs and what to do if your dog ate
chocolate.
Chocolate may be beneficial to our health, but it is poisonous to our dogs. And while there are a lot of chocoholics among us, dogs also like the taste of chocolate. Once they
have had a taste of it, they crave for more. Because of this, we as dog parents have to be very careful not to let our dogs get their paws on any chocolate.
There are two substances in chocolate that make it poisonous to our dogs - theobromine and caffeine, although the latter is in much smaller amounts in chocolate than the former.
Both theobromine and caffeine belong to a class of alkaloid molecules known as methylxanthines, which are naturally occurring stimulants.
Dogs (and other pet animals such as cats and horses) metabolize theobromine much more slowly than humans, causing adverse effects on their hearts, central nervous systems, and
kidneys.
Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs - Not All Chocolates Are EqualNot all chocolates are the same - different types of chocolate contain different amounts of theobromine. Generally speaking, higher quality chocolate tends to contain more theobromine than lower quality chocolate. Theobromine levels are higher in dark chocolates (e.g. baker's chocolate) than in milk chocolates. White chocolates contain the least amount of theobromine. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the approximate theobromine levels of different types of chocolate are as follows:
Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs - How Much is Too Much?To answer the question "How much is too much?", we need to take into consideration several factors, such as the type of chocolate, the weight and health condition of the dog. As a quick reference, the toxic dose of theobromine for pets is 100-200 mg/kg. However, since there have been reports of toxicity at a much lower level (20mg/kg), precaution has to be taken even if a dog has ingested less than 100 mg/kg worth of theobromine. Perhaps the following table can put into perspective as to how much of which type of chocolate a dog has to eat to cause toxicity. The first column refers to the type of chocolate; the second column refers to the toxic dose per pound of body weight; the third and fourth columns tell you approximately how much chocolate a 10-pound dog and a 20-pound dog has to eat to get sick, respectively.
Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs - Symptoms of Poisoning
Signs and symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs are most commonly seen within 12 hours or less after ingestion of chocolate.
Early signs of poisoning include:
Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs - First Aid TreatmentIf you notice that your dog has just eaten some chocolate, or if your dog is showing early signs of chocolate poisoning and you think he has consumed some chocolate (you may see telltale signs such as bits and pieces of chocolate wrappings on the floor), induce vomiting immediately. To induce vomiting, make a 50/50 mix of hydrogen peroxide and water and pour between a teaspoon and a tablespoon, depending on the size of your dog, down his throat. If it does not work within five minutes, repeat the procedure, but do it no more than three times. After your dog has vomited, give him granular activated charcoal. Mix five heaping teaspoons of granules in one cup of water. The dosage is 1 teaspoon for dogs under 25 pounds and 2 teaspoons for dogs over 25 pounds. However, if several hours have already passed before you realize that your dog has eaten chocolate and he is already showing advanced symptoms of poisoning, such as seizures, do not try to induce vomiting. Rush him to the vet for emergency treatment. If you are in the USA, you may also want to call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline (888-426-4435) for help.Related Topics Dog First Aid Dog Poisoning Substances References Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005). Tedaldi, J., What's Wrong with My Dog? (Fair Winds Press, 2007). The Merck Veterinary Manual (http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/211104.htm). TOP of Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs |
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