How to Treat Dogs That Have Feasted On Chocolates

A loyal and affectionate dog is worth its weight in gold. This is why dog owners would do anything to safeguard the well being of the pet. However there are instances when the good intentions of the pet parent can have dangerous effects on the dog. It is not uncommon for dog owners to share whatever food they are eating with the pet unknowing that the human-safe food cannot be tolerated by the dog. People love chocolates thus the pet would develop a liking for this food too.

A bite of chocolate given to the pet every now and then will make the dog develop a taste for this yummy food. Chocolates must never be given to dogs because it contain the substance Theobromine which is poisonous to dogs. Dogs do not have the enzyme necessary to metabolize Theobromine. Poisoning will occur if dogs ingests high levels of Theobromine. Chocolate poisoning will cause the dog to suffer abdominal pain. Bits of chocolates will be vomited by the dog. Oftentimes, the vomit of a poisoned dog will be bloody and would have a chocolaty smell. A severely affected dog would be restless and appear intoxicated so that it would have a wobbling gait. The dog will have blue tinged gums and salivate excessively. Dogs that convulse can die.

Just like any other kind of poisoning, dogs that are poisoned by chocolates would need urgent treatment because there is no specific antidote for Theobromine. Treatment is imperative more so if the dog is already seizing. Chocolate poisoning has killed about 50% of the poisoned dogs. What should a dog owner do if the pet eats chocolate?

If the pet is not yet vomiting, vomiting must be induced especially if the kind of chocolate as well as the amount ingested is unknown. Apomorphine, hydrogen peroxide, Syrup of Ipecac or table salt dissolved in water can be used to induce the dog to vomit. For dogs that are vomiting repeatedly, anti vomiting drugs are given.

After the vomiting of the dog is controlled, intestinal absorbent like activated charcoal can be safely given. Intestinal absorbents must be administered as Theobromine that was already deactivated by the liver can be reactivated if reabsorbed by the intestines. Poisoned dogs that show neurological signs must be given anticonvulsants. Intravenous medications, oxygen therapy, fluid therapy are some of the usual treatment methods given to dog poisoned by chocolates.

Dog chocolate poisoning is a searious matter. Learn more about what to do if your dog eats chocolate, why they cannot have chocolate and chocolate toxicity in dogs at Sarah’s Dogs.