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Chocolate Poisoning
General information on Chocolate PoisoningChocolate contains a caffeinelike alkaloid called theobromine. While not toxic to people in the amounts present in commercial foods, thebromine in these amounts can be quite harmful to the dog. A small dog weighing five to ten pounds can die after eating four to sixteen ounces of milk chocolate; a medium sized dog weighing twenty to forty pounds can die after eating sixteen to thirty-two ounces; a larger dog after eating about two pounds. Unsweetened chocolate contains higher concentrations of theobromine and is therefore more toxic. A dog can die after just eating four ounces. Symptoms of Chocolate PoisoningSymptoms of chocolate toxicity occur within hours after the dog ingests the chocolate. They include vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, muscle tremors, seizures, and coma.
Treatments for Chocolate PoisoningIf you know your dog has eaten chocolate, induce vomiting. [see HOW TO INDUCE VOMINTING in Pet Tips]. If more than two hours has passed admininster activiated charcoal to prevent the toxin from becomming absorbed. Personal Experience If you have personal pet experience with Chocolate Poisoning share your information here - Click Here Chocolate Poisoning - personal experiencesChocolate Poisoning experience by - Rhonda Chicago, IL, USA My 12 lb. dog got into a bag of Dove dark chocolates that my kids had left out in the basement. I don't know how many of the little heart shaped candies he ate, but there were foil wrappers all over the floor when we found them. My husband and I had gone out, putting the dog in his room (our utility room) where he typically stays while we're at work. When we returned home, he was on top of my washing machine (still can't figure that one out.) He was trembling violently and the walls of my utility room looked as if a chocolate massacre had taken place there. He had literally vomited on walls, floors, the washer and dryer...it was a very traumatizing experience. I knew how dangerous chocolate is said to be for dogs, and when we went to bed that night, we took the dog with us, where we could keep an eye on him. In the morning he seemed to be ok. -------- View all personal experiences on Chocolate Poisoning If you want to share information on a different disease, select a disease from A to Z - Click Here - Diseases A to Z Remember, this information is for reference only. Always contact your vet or pet profesional for advice.
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