What To Do When Your Pet Eats Chocolate?
Discovering that your furry friend has indulged in a cocoa caper can be a cause for concern.
Chocolate, a beloved treat for humans, can be toxic to dogs. In this guide, we’ll navigate the steps to take when your canine companion becomes a chocolate connoisseur against their own best interests.
1. Assess the Situation: Start by determining the type and amount of chocolate ingested. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate contain higher levels of theobromine, the toxic component in chocolate. Knowing the dog’s weight is crucial as well since smaller dogs are more vulnerable to the effects.
Note: The amount of chocolate that can be toxic to a dog depends on various factors such as the type of chocolate, the dog’s size, and individual sensitivity.
This chocolate toxicity calculator was helpful for me one late night in determining if my dog needed an emergency vet visit, or could we wait until morning to see our regular vet. There are many available online, but I found this Merck Vet Manual-Chocolate Toxicity Calculator resource most accurate. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/multimedia/clinical-calculator/chocolate-toxicity-calculator
*Dark chocolate and baking chocolate contain higher levels of theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.
*As a general guideline: – Small amounts of milk chocolate may cause mild symptoms in larger dogs but can be more severe for smaller breeds. – Dark chocolate and baking chocolate pose a greater risk due to higher theobromine content.
*As little as 20 ounces of milk chocolate, 3.5 ounces of dark chocolate, or just 0.5 ounces of baking chocolate can be potentially toxic to a 22-pound dog.
*However, it’s crucial to note that individual sensitivities can vary, and any amount of chocolate ingestion should be taken seriously.
2. Contact Your Vet: Reach out to your veterinarian immediately. Provide them with essential details such as the dog’s size, the type and quantity of chocolate consumed, and the time of ingestion. Your vet will guide you based on the severity of the situation.
3. Monitor for Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your pup for symptoms of chocolate toxicity, including restlessness, increased heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, seizures. Prompt action can make a significant difference in their recovery.
4. Induce Vomiting (Under Vet Guidance): In some cases, your vet may recommend inducing vomiting to remove the chocolate from your dog’s system. However, this should only be done under professional guidance, as it may not be suitable for all situations.
5. Activated Charcoal: Your vet may advise administering activated charcoal to help absorb theobromine and prevent its absorption into the bloodstream. Again, follow your vet’s instructions carefully.
6. Provide Supportive Care: Offer your dog plenty of water to stay hydrated, and monitor their behavior closely. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary for intensive care.
Conclusion: While prevention is the best medicine, accidents happen. Being prepared and acting swiftly can make a crucial difference if your dog indulges in a chocolate escapade.
***Remember, your veterinarian is your best ally in navigating the aftermath of a canine cocoa caper.
I also found this helpful chart regarding pet poisoning! Bookmark and save the link and chart for future reference.
