Chocolate contains toxic chemicals called methylxanthines, specifically theobromine and caffeine, which build up slowly in dogs’ systems. Even small amounts of chocolate can be harmful to dogs.
Signs of Chocolate Poisoning
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include:
- Mild illness can occur at 20mg of theobromine per kg of body weight.
- More severe symptoms can be caused by larger quantities, particularly of darker chocolates.
- As little as 0.3 ounces of dark chocolate per pound of dog weight can be lethal.
Treatment for Chocolate Ingestion in Dogs
Vets may take the following steps to treat chocolate poisoning:
- Induce vomiting within 2 hours of ingestion.
- Use activated charcoal to absorb the toxins.
- Severe cases may require intravenous fluids, anti-seizure medications, and heart rate control.
Preventing Chocolate Poisoning
To prevent chocolate poisoning in dogs:
- Never feed dogs chocolate.
- Keep chocolate safely out of their reach.
- Be aware that even chocolate chip cookies can trouble small dogs.
- Use online chocolate toxicity calculators to check safe amounts for your dog’s weight.
- If a dog eats dark chocolate, you should call your vet immediately.