What to Do If Your Dog Eats Chocolate
Of all the foods banned for dogs, chocolate is probably the one that people are most familiar with, even if they don’t have their own dog. And for good reason: chocolate is toxic to dogs and can make them seriously ill.
But no matter how careful you are and how much effort you put in so that your dog does not see or remember chocolate, there is always a chance that he will still be able to find it. Here’s what to do if this happens.
Why is it dangerous for dogs to eat chocolate?
Two problematic ingredients are theobromine and caffeine, both of which can cause increased heart rate, hyperactivity, agitation, muscle tremors, and/or seizures in dogs, according to the Merck/Merial Veterinary Health Guide .
Generally speaking, the higher the concentration of theobromine in chocolate, the more toxic it is to your pet. Cocoa powder is the most dangerous, followed by unsweetened baker’s chocolate, dark chocolate and milk chocolate, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC) .
What to do if your dog eats chocolate
The severity of the situation depends on a number of factors, including the amount and type of chocolate your dog has eaten, as well as their weight. For example, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), if a toy poodle and a German Shepherd eat the same amount and type of chocolate, it will take far less chocolate to make the poodle sick.
Recognize the signs and symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs.
While signs of chocolate poisoning usually appear 6-12 hours after your dog has eaten it, symptoms can last up to 72 hours and include:
- Vomit
- Diarrhea
- Anxiety
- Increased urination
- Tremor
- Elevated or abnormal heart rate
- convulsions
- collapse and death
The onset of symptoms can happen much faster in older dogs and dogs with heart disease, according to the AKC . Both groups are also more at risk of sudden death from chocolate poisoning.
Gather Evidence
Once you realize that your dog has eaten chocolate, gather all the evidence, including the packaging/wrapper and uneaten chocolate, and bring it to the vet. This will help them determine the potential severity of the situation and how best to help your dog, notes the ASPCA .
Call your veterinarian or Animal Poison Control.
Contact your veterinarian immediately and follow any instructions they give you, including coming to the office if necessary. You can also contact the Pet Poison Help Desk (855-213-6680) or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) for help.