Pet Health
Condition Overview
Most dogs like chocolate, but it can be dangerous. Chocolate contains methylxanthines (made up of caffeine and the alkaloid theobromine). Methylxanthines are not toxic to people in the concentrations found in candy and baked goods, but when ingested by dogs, the effects can be lethal.
Symptoms
Signs of chocolate toxicity occur within hours after the dog ingests the chocolate. They include hyperexcitability, vomiting, frequent urination, diarrhea, rapid breathing, weakness, seizures, and coma. Death is rare, and occurs by cardiac arrest.
All symptoms +
Causes
This is caused by a dog eating chocolate foods.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis can be made by examining physical symptoms or finding the evidence to identify the consumption of chocolate.
Treatment
If you know your dog has eaten chocolate within the passed 6 hours and he has not already vomited, induce vomiting. To induce vomiting to prevent poison absorption give the dog hydrogen peroxide. A 3% solution is most effective. Give 1 teaspoon (5ml) per 10 pounds (4.5kg) of body weight. Repeat every 15 - 20 minutes, up to 3 times, until the dog vomits. Walking the dog after each dose may help stimulate vomiting.
Record the type and amount of chocolate ingested (sweet and semi-sweet chocolate in candy bars is not nearly as toxic as baking chocolate). Then call your veterinarian for further instructions.
Prevention
Use commercial dog products as treats. keep all chocolate stored securely to prevent accidental ingestion. Make sure everyone in your house, especially the children, understand that chocolate is dangerous for dogs.
Support
Contact your veterinarian for detailed instructions or call on of the poison hotlines listed below:
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 (fee)
- Angell Animal Poison Control Hotline 1-877-226-4355
- Animal Poison Hotline operated by the North Shore Animal League and PROSAR International Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-232-8870
Sources
Dog Owners Home Veterinary Handbook
Publisher: Wiley Publishing, 2007
Website: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/
Authors: Debra M. Eldredge, Liisa D. Carlson, Delbert G. Carlson, James M. Giffen MD
The First Aid Companion for Dogs And Cats
Publisher: Rodale Inc, 2001
Website: http://www.rodalebooks.com/
Authors: Amy D. Shojai, Shane Bateman DVM
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