Dogs and Chocolate...

DOGS AND CHOCOLATE

Are you aware that eating chocolate can kill your dog? This is one of those unfortunate facts - dogs like the taste of chocolate but it can be poisonous to them.

As a responsible owner you should know why this is so and also what the symptoms of accidental chocolate poisoning are.  As always though, when in doubt, consult your vet as a matter of urgency.

Reasons why chocolate should not be given to your dog.

• Why chocolate is poisonous

There are two naturally occurring substances in the cocoa tree – theobromine and caffeine. Both of these substances are toxic to dogs. Theobromine is metabolized very slowly by dogs; in fact it can remain in the bloodstream for up to 20 hours. During that time it can interfere with the body’s functioning and stimulate the central nervous system resulting in heart and kidney damage.

• The toxic level of theobromine

It is said that the lethal dose for theobromine is between 100mg and 200mg per kg of bodyweight. The lethal dosage for caffeine is the same. However, much lower doses can also result in severe symptoms.

It will depend upon the size, general health, and sensitivity to theobromine and caffeine, as well as the type and quantity of chocolate eaten by your dog that will determine his reaction.

• The quantity of theobromine and caffeine present in chocolate

The quantity of theobromine and caffeine in chocolate depends entirely upon the type of chocolate, the brand and the fact that the natural occurrence of the substances in cocoa beans is inconsistent.

An estimation of the substances in various chocolate is as follows:

- Dark chocolate contains 150 mg of theobromine and caffeine per ounce.
- Dry cocoa powder contains 808 mg of theobromine and caffeine per ounce.
- Instance cocoa powder contains 151 mg of theobromine and caffeine per ounce.
- Milk chocolate contains 64 mg of theobromine and caffeine per ounce.
- Unsweetened baking chocolate contains 440 mg of theobromine and caffeine per ounce.
- White chocolate contains 1.1 mg of theobromine and caffeine per ounce.

 

• How much chocolate can a dog eat?

He shouldn't eat any but there is not a great deal of theobromine and caffeine in white chocolate. Therefore your dog would need to consume quite a large quantity before he would be a risk of theobromine poisoning.

It is a common fact that dogs get a taste for chocolate. However, even if your dog can eat small quantities without any ill effect, it is wise to not allow him to have any.

• The signs of poisoning

The signs of poisoning are generally obvious within 4 to 24 hours of your dog eating chocolate.

The early symptoms include diarrhea, excessive thirst, increased urination, restlessness, and vomiting.

As your dog absorbs more theobromine into his blood system, he may experience a lack of co-ordination, hyperactivity, increased heart rate, muscle twitching, and raised blood pressure.

The above symptoms can result in a coma, heart arrhythmia, hyperthermia, seizures, and ultimately death.

• What to do if your dog eats chocolate

First and foremost you should contact your vet and describe the symptoms that your dog is experiencing along with any information about the type of chocolate that he has consumed.

Your vet may advise you to make your dog vomit before taking him to the surgery. By making the dog vomit, you will be decreasing the quantity of theobromine that he has in his body, hence he will have less to absorb.

Most dogs recover within 24 to 72 hours once they have received veterinary assistance.

The message is simple - for your dog's sake don't let him eat chocolate, he will only develop a taste for it - instead, it is better to give him dog treats that are fresh and natural. There are many dog treats available nowadays that contain only wholesome natural ingredients that your dog will just love.