Chocolate and Pets is a Deadly Mix
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| Chocolate may taste great to humans, but it is deadly for dogs. |
The Posh Puppy
Boutique cares about dogs, and cats too. For that reason, we strong urge
you to make sure all forms of chocolate—cookies, candy, etc.—are kept far away
from pets.
Why is chocolate poisonous to dogs? Because it contains the
stimulant theobromine, which is similar to caffeine. This natural chemical
affects the nervous system and the heart. Too much of it can cause muscle
tremors, seizures, coma and death.
How can you recognize chocolate poisoning? By your pet
vomiting, having diarrhea or being hyperactive. As more of the stimulant is
absorbed, your pet will become restless, hyperactive, show twitching muscles,
increased urinating or excessive panting.
The amount of chocolate required to cause severe problems in
your pet varies depending on the type of chocolate, their size, weight and
health and the amount of time between ingestion and treatment.
Different types of chocolate contain varying amounts of
theobromine. White chocolate has the least, requiring 250 pounds to poison a
125-pound dog. Milk chocolate is the next most powerful, with 2-3 candy bars
enough to poison a 10-pound dog. Sweet cocoa is much more powerful, with only
one-sixth of a pound poisoning a 10-pound dog.
Just think how much chocolate could be in an Easter basket
or Halloween bag. A pound or two could be enough to kill your pet.
The most deadly form of chocolate is baking chocolate, with
a single one-ounce square enough to seriously injure—and possibly kill—a 10-pound
dog.
In addition to the type of chocolate, the larger and heavier
your dog is, the more chocolate required to harm him or her because it takes
longer for the stimulant to be absorbed.
What can you do if you suspect chocolate poisoning? Call
your vet immediately. If your vet is not available, contact a 24-hour emergency
pet clinic. You can also check with a Poison Control Center such as the
National Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 (your credit card could
be charged a $65 consultation fee).
If no one is available, induce vomiting using small
quantities of hydrogen peroxide. The suggested dose is mix three percent
hydrogen peroxide to water solution and give your dog 1-2 teaspoons for a
smaller dog or 3-4 tablespoons for a larger dog, by mouth every 10-15 minutes
until your dog vomits.
Next, give your dog an activated charcoal slurry using a
product such as Taliban (1 teaspoon for dogs weighing up to 25 pounds, 2
teaspoons for heavier dogs), which will absorb the chocolate. Check with your
vet on how to obtain Taliban.
- Communications