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What to Do If Your Dog Ate Chocolate
(Image credit: Ilargian Faus Pexels
As a dog owner, its important to know that while chocolate is tasty for humans, it’s toxic for dogs. There are many foods that are toxic for dogs, but chocolate it top of the list for good reason. In this article we about why it can be harmful for dogs, but before we head there I want to touch on why you may want to pay extra attention around food in general if you have a rescue dog.
Rescue Dog and Chocolate Why Be Extra Careful
Rescue dogs come into care such as a shelter for a variety of reasons. Many suffer such neglect in which they are left to starve. In order to survive many of these beautiful dogs are forced to forage for scraps, and often times resort to eating their own feces.
So, its easy to see why some dogs run the risk of eating anything they find. When they come to know the hand of a kind human, and, understand that food is readily available it’s possible to train them for food. Until then its important to be extra careful with food toxic to dogs, like chocolate.
In this post, we will share why chocolate is dangerous for your rescue dog (all dogs) the symptoms and what to do if your dog ate chocolate. Also, we will share with you how much chocolate is too much. So, read on for more information!
Why is chocolate toxic for dogs?
Chocolates contain theobromine and caffeine as key ingredients. But both ingredients are toxic for dogs. These ingredients are toxic for dogs since they speed up your dog’s heart rate and stimulate the nervous system (source).
However, the toxicity level of chocolate depends on its type and the amount consumed. Also, your dog’s weight can dictate how sick it might be after eating chocolate.
Types of Chocolate
The following is a list of chocolates from more toxic to less toxic:
- Cocoa-powder chocolates
- Baking chocolates
- Dark chocolates
- Milk chocolate
If your dog consumes 20mg of methylxanthines for every kilogram of bodyweight, he will have mild toxicity symptoms. But if he consumes 40mg of methylxanthines for every kilogram of bodyweight, seizures might occur. It is, therefore, important to monitor the chocolate dosage and inform your vet for help.
What are the symptoms of chocolate poisoning in your rescue dog?
If your dog eats chocolate without your knowledge, you should start noticing the symptoms after 2-4 hours but sometimes the symptoms can take up to 24 hours (source). It all depends on the chocolate dosage, type, and your dog’s bodyweight. The symptoms include the following:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Frequent urination
- Increased abnormal heart rate
- Seizures
- Drinking more water
- A painful belly
- Unusual excitement or restlessness
- Collapse and death
Your dog is more susceptible to death if he’s older or has a pre-existing heart condition.
What should you do if your dog ate chocolate?
If you notice any of the above symptoms, the appropriate action to take would be to call your vet immediately. You can also call the pet poison helpline for professional assistance in case of an emergency. If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, also call your vet immediately.
Your vet might advise you to keep a keen eye on any of the symptoms above. Sometimes, your vet may recommend that you bring your dog in for a medical examination, which is okay since you want the best for your dog.
What are some of the treatments for chocolate poisoning?
The idea behind treating your dog is to prevent the toxins (theobromine and caffeine) from entering your dog’s bloodstream and cause a medical emergency. So, your vet might administer treatments for the following symptoms:
Vomiting
Your vet will administer an injection after your dog has eaten the chocolate. However, this injection might make your dog sick, but it aims to neutralize the toxins thus stopping vomiting.
Diarrhea
Activated charcoal works well to absorb the toxins in the chocolate before they sink deeper into your dog’s bloodstream. This makes it one of the suitable treatments for chocolate poisoning in dogs. You simply mix this substance with water and give it to your dog as food or administer it with a syringe orally. After 2-3 days, your dogs will be safe.
What can you do to prevent chocolate poisoning?
You should keep chocolates away from your dog’s reach. Also, avoid placing chocolates on easy-to-reach surfaces such as countertops, tables, and sofas. You should also train your dog to obey commands so you can always issue one of those “leave it” commands to him.
Being extra vigilant during Christmas holidays and birthdays is also important because chocolates will be in plenty during those times. You can let everyone know that you have a dog around and advise them to keep their chocolates away from the pup’s reach. In case you’re away, be sure to keep your dog in a crate or an area with one of those doggy gates.
Conclusion What to Do When Your Dog Ate Chocolate
Your dog might not resist eating chocolate if they find one lying around. It is, therefore, your responsibility to keep these tasty chocolate treats out of reach so your curious pup won’t find it. Besides, chocolates are toxic for dogs and this is enough reason to keep them somewhere safe.
Call Your Veterninary
In case of a medical emergency if you suspect that your dog ate chocolate then get help right away. You can call a local vet or pet poison helpline. And, please remember that accidents can happen even when you are the best dog guardian, so there’s no need to fear calling your vet for help.
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