Can dogs eat chocolate? | Petmd

Our puppies often have the ability to get into things they should not and eat any type of food that sink from the table. It is important to know why dogs cannot eat chocolate and what to do if your dog eats any type of chocolate.

Can dogs eat chocolate?

No, dogs should never eat chocolate. Chocolate contains some ingredients that a dog's digestive system cannot break down, which means that they develop gastrointestinal, neurological or cardiovascular problems.

It is important to keep dogs away from an area, such as a kitchen where chocolate is available. It is easy for someone to release chocolate on a floor or for a dog to access a counter if no one is watching.

Why can't dogs eat chocolate?

Chocolate contains caffeine and an ingredient called theobromine, both of which are part of a group of substances called methylxantins. These chemicals affect certain receptors and hormones in dogs and other animals (such as cats), leading to stimulation of the heart and nervous system.

When considering how much chocolate is actually toxic to dogs, the answer is that it depends on the type of chocolate, how much occurred and the size and health of the dog.

Types of chocolate causing poisoning in dogs

All chocolate is not created equal, and the methylxantine content of chocolate varies depending on the type. Here are types of chocolate and their levels of methylxantins.

What types of chocolate are more toxic to dogs?

All types of chocolate can be toxic to dogs, but the amount of chocolate and inmates inmates are important factors to consider, as the concentration of caffeine and theobromy can vary.

In general, darker, more bitter chocolate is the most dangerous for dogs. This is because dark chocolate contains more theobromine per ounce compared to other types of chocolate.

While white chocolate has virtually no methylxantins, milk chocolate contains a low concentration, and dark and semi -sweet chocolate has a moderate concentration.

Baker's chocolate and cocoa powder contains the highest concentration of methylxantins. Therefore, the type of chocolate, the amount of chocolate and size of your dog are all very important to decide if your dog ate a dangerous amount.

If your dog ate chocolate, no matter how much, reach out to Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 or your veterinarian for more information and to determine the next step for your puppy.

You can quickly use PETMD's chocolate toxicity in dog calculators if you know how much chocolate your dog is consumed and their weight. Keep in mind that this tool does not replace advice from a veterinarian or a toxin specialist, so still reach out to the pet's poison heel or your veterinarian.

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs

Common signs and symptoms of chocolate poisoning in a dog depend on the amount of chocolate that is consumed and the size of the dog. However, common characters may include:

My dog ​​ate chocolate. What now?

If your dog ate chocolate, gather as much information as you can about the type and amount of chocolate that is consumed.

If your dog ate baked goods, grab the recipe or box mixture used (if available) to have it at hand when talking to a toxin specialist at Pet Poison Helpline or with your veterinarian.

You also want to see if your dog ate any package or cover from chocolate, which can create an internal obstacle.

Call your veterinarian or pet Poison Relief with the above information to determine if your dog can be monitored at home or if they need to be taken to a veterinarian immediately.

Treatment of chocolate poisoning in dogs

If your dog eats chocolate, Don't let your dog throw at home If you do not get instructions on doing so by your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline. Without guidance from a veterinarian, this can lead to other dangerous health problems, including aspiration pneumonia.

Treatment for chocolate poisoning in a dog depends on the size of your dog and how much they ate. If your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline recommends that you go to a veterinary clinic, treatment for your dog's chocolate poisoning is likely to start with decontamination, either by inducing vomiting or with medical carbon.

Medicines can be introduced and fluids can be given to your puppy to help with hydration.

If a dog takes up a high dose of chocolate, they may need to stay in the clinic overnight or longer for monitoring and until all symptoms have been cleared.

With immediate medical care, a dog should not have a long -lasting effect from chocolate poisoning.

How to prevent dogs from eating chocolate

Prevention is the best way to avoid an unintentional intake of chocolate, which means that pet parents and householders should be aware when snacking on a tasty treatment.

If you have chocolate out in the kitchen during an event, especially during the holidays, make sure your dog does not have access to the area. Use a pet sport to keep your dog out of trouble.

Dogs can easily smell food through covers and packaging, so even if the chocolate is wrapped or in a box, your dog can still find it. They can even eat the package as well.

That is why it is important that all pits and cabinets are locked, especially if you have a dog that can easily sweep doors with your nose or paw. A pet-proof lock, such as MyPet Safety Grip and Glide Cabinet Lock or MyPet Safety Paw's Door Paw-Tector is ideal to invest in.

If your puppy likes to go through the garbage, a lock or a pet -proof strap is a good way to keep that trash outside the boundaries, especially when the remaining cover or chocolate is discarded.

Holidays like Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day and Easter usually involve a lot of chocolate. Keep some candy for these and other occasions locked where your dog can't reach it – and don't forget that pet sport.

It is also important to educate family and visitors about the importance of not sharing sweets with your dog and to seek medical help immediately if they see your dog eating chocolate.