| About two years ago, my mischievous Manchester | | | | 9 kilogram (20 pound) dog. As an example, it would |
| Terrier (Ziggy) raided a box of chocolates that fell | | | | take about 2-3 chocolate/candy bars to poison a 5 |
| from my kitchen counter onto the floor. By the time | | | | kilogram (10 pound) dog. |
| I discovered this mishap, Ziggy had gobbled about 4 | | | | Cooking or baking chocolate: 57 grams (2 ounces) of |
| small chocolates. I was in a panic. I knew chocolates | | | | baking/cooking chocolate is poisonous to a 9 kilogram |
| could be very bad for dogs, but would 4 small | | | | (20-pound) dog. |
| chocolates be enough to kill her? I rang Ziggy's vet | | | | Health and age |
| immediately. The vet was very reassuring, telling me | | | | If the dog is aged or not at optimum health, its |
| that chocolate was indeed toxic to dogs, but Ziggy | | | | tolerance to chocolate may be lowered. |
| had not eaten enough for her to be affected. I was | | | | Symptoms of poisoning |
| relieved (and Ziggy turned out fine) but I was curious | | | | If your dog has eaten a toxic amount of chocolate, it |
| as to why chocolate was toxic to dogs and in what | | | | will show the following symptoms within the first two |
| quantity. | | | | hours: vomiting, diarrhea or hyperactivity. The |
| Why is chocolate toxic to dogs? | | | | symptoms will then progress to increased heart rate, |
| I have since learned that chocolate contains | | | | arrhythmia, restlessness, muscle twitching, increased |
| theobromine, naturally found in cocoa beans. Although | | | | urination or excessive panting. More dire symptoms |
| it is not harmful to humans, theobromine is highly | | | | include hyperthermia, muscle tremors, seizures, coma |
| toxic to dogs (and other domestic animals, such as | | | | and death. |
| horses). Theobromine is a stimulant (similar to | | | | Treatment for chocolate poisoning |
| caffeine) and so affects the central nervous system | | | | There are three steps in the first aid treatment of |
| and heart. | | | | chocolate poisoning: |
| How can you tell if your dog has eaten too much | | | | 1. Induce vomiting |
| chocolate? | | | | In order to do this you can give 1-2 teaspoons of |
| Although chocolate in small quantities is not harmful, | | | | 3% hydrogen peroxide every 15 minutes until the |
| as a precaution dogs should never be given any | | | | dog purges. Or, give it a single dose of 2-3 teaspoons |
| chocolate. Why? Have you noticed that people have | | | | of "Syrup of Ipecac". |
| a hard time eating just one potato chip? Well, the | | | | 2. Administer an absorption agent |
| same goes for dogs and chocolate - one taste and | | | | Once vomiting has been induced, it is important to |
| they will want (and seek out) more. | | | | immediately reduce the absorption of theobromine in |
| Although you probably do not give your dog | | | | the dog's stomach. Therefore, give activated charcoal |
| chocolate, accidents do occur. If your dog has eaten | | | | mixed with water. The dose is 1 teaspoon for dogs |
| chocolate, the following information will help you | | | | less than 11.3 kilograms (25 pounds) and 2 teaspoons |
| decide what to do about it. | | | | for dogs weighing more than 11.3 kilograms (25 |
| There are two main factors that will determine | | | | pounds). |
| whether the dog will have a toxic reaction to | | | | 3. Consult your vet |
| chocolate: | | | | Advise your vet of the following details: |
| (i) the concentration of theobromine in the chocolate | | | | (i) how much chocolate the dog has eaten; |
| compared to the dog's weight; and | | | | (ii) what type of chocolate; |
| (ii) its individual age and health. | | | | (iii) how long ago the dog ate the chocolate; |
| The concentration of theobromine compared to the | | | | (iv) the symptoms it is experiencing; |
| dog's weight | | | | (v) the age and general health of your dog; and |
| Milk chocolate and white chocolate have a smaller | | | | (vi) any first aid you have given it. |
| concentration of theobromine are therefore less | | | | It is a great idea to have Syrup of Ipecac, activated |
| toxic than dark or cooking chocolate. | | | | charcoal and 3% hydrogen peroxide in your pet's first |
| Here's a guide to each type of chocolate: | | | | aid kit in case your dog eats a toxic amount of |
| White chocolate: It takes 113.4 kilograms (250 | | | | chocolate or other poison. |
| pounds) of white chocolate to poison a 9 kilogram | | | | The author is not a vet, please consult your vet if |
| (20 pound) dog. | | | | you believe your dog has eaten chocolate or any |
| Milk or semi-sweet chocolate: Approximately half a | | | | other poisonous substance. |
| kilogram (1 pound) of milk chocolate is poisonous to a | | | | |