Symptoms and Treatment of Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs

It is common knowledge among pet owners that dogs should not consume chocolate. However, it is not nonsense that chocolate is bad for dogs. In this article, we will look at why dogs should not consume chocolate, as well as the symptoms of poisoning and what to do about it.

Symptoms and Treatment of Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs

The Dangers of Chocolate for Dogs

The main ingredient of chocolate is cocoa beans, which contain high concentrations of methylxanthine-like substances such as theobromine and caffeine. These substances are harmful to the dog’s cardiopulmonary system and can lead to increased heart rate and heart contraction, thus increasing the burden on the heart and possibly triggering heart failure. In addition, the caffeine in chocolate may cause over-excitement of the dog’s central nervous system, leading to nervousness, muscle spasms and even convulsions.

Different kinds of chocolate have different levels of harm to dogs: dark chocolate has the highest content of theobromine, which is the most harmful to dogs; milk chocolate is the next highest; white chocolate has the lowest content of theobromine, which is relatively less harmful to dogs. Nevertheless, due to the high fat content of white chocolate, it may also cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Symptoms and Treatment of Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs

Symptoms of Chocolate Poisoning

Dogs may show mild symptoms of poisoning, such as vomiting and diarrhea, within 1 to 4 hours after eating chocolate. 6 to 12 hours later, symptoms may worsen and include restlessness, excitement, and even muscle tremors and seizures. More serious symptoms include hypokalemia, pancreatitis, cardiac arrhythmia, and respiratory illness, which can be life-threatening. Because dogs break down theobromine slowly, symptoms of poisoning can last for days or even weeks.

Dealing with Dogs Eating Chocolate by Mistake

  1. Inducing vomiting: If your dog accidentally ingests chocolate, induce vomiting with hydrogen peroxide and saline. If the dog does not vomit, you need to try again. After inducing vomiting, the dog should be allowed to drink milk or oral aluminum sulfate to protect the gastric mucosa, and drink more water to promote metabolism.
  2. Dilute: If emetic vomiting is unsuccessful, dilute the chocolate by allowing your dog to consume its favorite food, such as boiled milk.
  3. Seek prompt medical attention: If your dog shows serious symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, excitement, muscle tremors or seizures, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms and Treatment of Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs

Tips for Scientific Dog Ownership

Pet owners should keep chocolate in a safe place to avoid accidental ingestion by their dogs. Although some dogs may not show obvious symptoms if they accidentally ingest a small amount of chocolate, this does not mean that the potential risk can be ignored. The dose of theobromine poisoning in dogs is 100-220 mg per kilogram of body weight, so you should remain vigilant. As soon as you realize that your dog has been poisoned by chocolate, you should take immediate measures to induce vomiting, and if necessary, get him to a doctor immediately.

Original article by KPTer, if reproduced, please cite the source: https://www.kaipet.com/en/symptoms-treatment-chocolate-poisoning-dogs

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