Most of us have heard that chocolate is bad for dogs, but just how bad is it? And what if dogs eat chocolate? It really depends on the amount and type of chocolate a dog eats. (Yes, some types of chocolate are actually worse for dogs than others.) Read on to learn everything you need to know about dogs and chocolate’s toxicity.
1. Methylxanthines are the real reason for chocolate poisoning in dogs.
Two substances found in cocoa (the main ingredient of chocolate) called methylxanthines (theobromine and caffeine) are responsible for the toxicity of dogs and chocolate. Note that anything that contains caffeine is toxic to dogs, including coffee (especially beans and grounds), tea (especially tea bags), energy drinks, soda, and non-caffeinated pills. prescription.
2. Some types of chocolate are more harmful to dogs than others.
Different types of chocolate contain different levels of theobromine and caffeine. The more concentrated the chocolate product, the more actual chocolate it contains and the more dangerous it is for dogs. Scott Fausel, medical director of VCA sinks spring in Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania. “Things that are only sweetened with chocolate like macaroons are generally less toxic.”
The types of chocolate that range from the most (worst chocolate for dogs) to the least toxic for dogs are as follows:
- Unsweetened dry cocoa powder
- Chocolate baking
- Dark chocolate (over 60% cocoa)
- Semi-sweet/bitter chocolate
- Milk chocolate
- White chocolate (white chocolate is not a problem as it does not contain the dangerous methylxanthines found in real chocolate products)
3. The amount of chocolate your dog consumes plays an important role.
Small dogs are more affected by small amounts of chocolate than large dogs. For example, a 50-pound Lab might be fine even if it ate an entire bar of Hershey’s milk chocolate, but if a Chihuahua ate the same milk chocolate bar, she could be in trouble. . That said, you should always call your vet or poison control hotline if your dog has ever eaten any type of chocolate, even if you just think your dog maybe ate chocolate. Fausel advises: “If in doubt, you’re better off getting your pet checked out. “Typically, the veterinary hospital will treat the animal to remove potential toxins if there is any suspicion.
4. Yes, dogs and chocolate can be a deadly combination.
Theobromine and caffeine in chocolate can cause serious cardiovascular problems. Dr Fausel explains: “Tachycardia can lead to irregular heartbeats, which in worse cases can lead to heart failure and death. “It can also lead to neurological signs. You may notice your pet fidgeting, may be shivering, or just appear more jittery, anxious, and excited than usual. “
5. If your dog eats chocolate, timing is of the essence.
“The first thing to do is call the locals or emergency veterinary clinicor if you have some go to a pet poison control center, call that number directly and try to get their opinion on the action you need to take,” Dr. Fausel said. Note that a fee applies to calling the poison control hotline.. The best known number is the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number, which is 888-426-4435. You can call 24 hours a day, every day of the year. According to the ASPCA, it’s important that you collect evidence – any packaging left over from chocolate candies or junk food so you can let your vet or poison control center know:
• What kind of chocolate is it?
• How much chocolate did you eat?
• What kind of filling, if any, is in chocolate (stuffs such as raisins or macadamia nuts are also toxic)
Looking for a chart of how toxic chocolate is to dogs? Check out Dogster’s sister publication Whole Dog Journal Rankings: How Much Chocolate Is Toxic For Dogs: Theobromine Toxic Dose.
6. Your vet may be driving your dog crazy.
If it hasn’t been too long since your dog ingests chocolate, your veterinarian may induce vomiting to expel as much of it as possible, then administer activated charcoal to absorb the poison to flush out the toxins. they leave the body. “Patients will often be treated with intravenous fluids at a fairly high rate to try to speed up the elimination of chocolate,” Dr. Fausel explains.
7. With quick treatment, most dogs will survive eating chocolate.
“As long as it is caught in the early stages, almost all patients will survive even if a sizable amount is swallowed,” Dr. Fausel said.
8. Chocolate is also not good for cats.
However, cats rarely attempt to consume chocolate. Cats don’t usually seek out sugary foods because they don’t have taste receptors for sweet things.
Thumbnails: Photography by Liliya Kulianionak / Shutterstock.
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