What about the Chocolate?

What about chocolate?

What happens to all that candy left on the counter after the holiday party? I have heard it a thousand times, “Don’t give your dog chocolate, it will kill him”, How true is this and do you need to rush him to the vet after he gobbled one Milk Chocolate Hershey kiss?

What are Toxic Levels?

The fact is that chocolate contains a substance known as theobromine that is toxic to dogs in sufficient quantities. It does depend on the size of dog, allergic sensitivity and concentration of chocolate, but in general- it takes a good amount of theobromine to be toxic. Milk Chocolate is the least toxic per ounce while Bakers Chocolate has the most toxins per ounce.

Roughly 100mg/kg -150mg/kg can be toxic. At 100 mg/kg as the toxic dose, this means that roughly 2 oz. of Baker's chocolate can cause great risk to a 15 lb. dog. Yet, 2 oz. of Milk chocolate usually will only cause digestive problems. A Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Candy Bar is roughly 1.5 oz.

For specifics, you can contact your local Animal Poison Control Center and your veterinarian.

Signs of Toxic Levels:
Hyper excitability
Hyper irritability
Increased heart rate
Restlessness
Increased urination
Muscle tremors
Vomiting
Diarrhea

Treatment
There is not a specific treatment for theobromine overdose. It stays in the dogs system for about 18 hours. If you catch the ingestion within the first hour or so, depending on the amount consumed, your vet may choose to induce vomiting, administer charcoal, prescribe an anti-convulsant, oxygen, IV meds and or fluids….to protect the heart and prevent dehydration. .

If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic amount of chocolate contact your vet immediately! They can help you determine the proper treatment for your pet.

Follow the old rule, be selfish with your chocolate, and do not share it with your dog!