Why Is Chocolate Bad For Dogs: 5 Frequently Asked Questions
Eating chocolates is one of the best rewards humans can have. However, it’s the other way around for dogs. Since chocolate is poisonous to dogs due to the theobromine content, feeding them with treats laced with it might not be the best way to reward them for being good. But why else is chocolate bad for dogs? Here are some questions answered.
1. Why is Chocolate Harmful to Dogs?
Theobromine, a type of xanthine, is a naturally-occurring stimulant found in the cocoa bean. Once ingested, theobromine works by dilating the blood vessels and increasing the heart rate. This caffeine-like stimulant can cause rapid breath, vomiting, diarrhea, heart problems, seizures, and death.
2. What Happens to Dogs After Eating Chocolate?
The first signs of chocolate toxicity show up within 30 minutes of ingestion. Theobromine causes fluid to move out of the blood and into the cells, called diuresis. It results in the loss of water, sodium, and potassium. Additional signs of toxicity show up as theobromine continues to work.
Excessive urination, hyperactivity, restlessness, and vomiting may develop. In mild cases, most symptoms will go away if the dog can eliminate the toxic amount of theobromine from its body through diarrhea or vomiting.
3. How Much is Too Much Chocolate?
The amount that causes toxicity varies from dog to dog, depending on the dog’s size and weight, the type and amount of chocolate ingested. The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains. However, no amount of chocolate is considered safe for dogs.
4. What Should Pet Owners Do If Their Dogs Eat Chocolate?
If a dog eats chocolate, the pet owner should contact a veterinarian immediately to look for signs of toxicity. Treatment usually involves inducing vomiting or administering activated charcoal to absorb the toxins.
5. Which Treatments Should Help Dogs Who Have Eaten Chocolates?
When a dog has eaten chocolate, and the owner has moved fast enough, the veterinarian may give it activated charcoal to absorb the toxin. Blood samples will be taken to measure the level of theobromine in the system.
Other treatments for chocolate toxicity include IV fluids, sodium bicarbonate, potassium chloride, and diuretics. Lukewarm water and some medications, such as Prozac, might be given to the dog to stop the vomiting.
The Effects of Chocolate Poisoning
Puppies are generally more susceptible to chocolate poisoning than adult dogs. However, a few cases of adult dogs poisoning after eating large amounts of chocolate have been reported. In most cases, theobromine is a short-acting stimulant that doesn’t affect the dog’s body for more than a few hours. However, in rare instances, theobromine can cause heart problems and death, especially if it mixes with other drugs or alcohol.
How to Prevent Dogs From Eating Chocolates
One of the best ways pet owners can keep their dogs from eating chocolate is by storing it on a high shelf or in a cabinet they can't reach. Regularly replacing old candy with new candy can also help keep dogs out of the kitchen. Treat your dog to its favorite food instead of chocolate.
Conclusion
Dogs ingesting theobromine found in chocolates may result in poisoning, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and hyperactivity. Since chocolate is a toxic substance and is harmful to dogs, it’s better to store them away from their reach, mainly when the treats lie unattended in homes.
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