Chocolate and your dog

[Teena]

Found this & thought it would be good to keep in mind this holiday season.



We've all heard it, "Don't give your dog chocolate it will kill him". We'll how true is it you're probably wondering. Do I have to rush him to an emergency vet if he ate one of my M&M's?

The truth is chocolate contains theobromine that is toxic to dogs in sufficient quantities. This is a xanthine compound in the same family of caffeine, and theophylline.

Toxic Levels

The good news is that it takes, on average, a fairly large amount of theobromine 100 mg to 150 mg/kg to cause a toxic reaction. Although there are variables to consider like the individual sensitivity, animal size and chocolate concentration.

On average,
Milk chocolate contains 44 mg of theobromine per oz.
Semisweet chocolate contains 150mg/oz.
Baker's chocolate 390mg/kg.

Using a dose of 100 mg/kg as the toxic dose it comes out roughly as:
1 ounce per 1 pound of body weight for Milk chocolate
1 ounce per 3 pounds of body weight for Semisweet chocolate
1 ounce per 9 pounds of body weight for Baker's chocolate.

So, for example, 2 oz. of Baker's chocolate can cause great risk to an 15 lb. dog. Yet, 2 oz. of Milk chocolate usually will only cause digestive problems.

Clinical Signs

Xanthines affect the nervous system, cardiovascular system and peripheral nerves. It has a diuretic effect as well. Clinical signs:

Hyper excitability
Hyper irritability
Increased heart rate
Restlessness
Increased urination
Muscle tremors
Vomiting
Diarrhea

Treatment

There is no specific antidote for this poisoning. Induce vomiting in the first 1-2 hours if the quantity is unknown. Administering activated charcoal may inhibit absorption of the toxin. An anticonvulsant might be indicated if neurological signs are present and needs to be controlled. Oxygen therapy, intravenous medications, and fluids might be needed to protect the heart.

Milk chocolate will often cause diarrhea 12-24 hours after ingestion. This should be treated symptomatically (fluids, etc..) to prevent dehydration.

If you suspect your pet has ingested chocolate contact your Vet immediately! They can help you determine the the proper treatment for your pet.

[DixieGrl113]

Thanks for the reminder Teena. I think it'll help a lot of people to see the amounts for and corresponding reactions.


Happy Holidays!

[Soapie&Buddy'sMom]

i know chocolate is bad for canines, and i never feed it to my dogs (i never have it around, actually - if I did, I would eat it myself!). two years ago my sister's dachshunds attacked a package of hershey's kisses, and ate that whole bag- tinfoil and oil. well, they are still here and probably would like to reminesce about it with anyone who would care to listen :)
but at the time we were all frantic, called the vet, etc.,
the safest thing is to just keep the chocolate out of reach of the dogs
(and any others who might be tempted to over indulge ;) )

[German Vanegas]

Dogs and chocolate are a big NO-NO!!!! Thanks for the remainder Teena :)

[Rottie Dude]

i used to believe that chocolate was bad, until my neighbours dog ate 6 JUMBO chocolate bars in a matter of a half hour, it had no effect on him, except being a bit hyper.

im not saying i would feed my dog chocolate or recommend it, but it just makes me wonder.

[WorkinDogz]

No need to wonder Rottie Dude......any amount contains toxins. There are much healthier treats to give a dog.....that don't contain any toxins to them.

Some years ago; a person taking an Obedience course I instructed felt that M&M's were the appropriate reward to use in class......well needless to say; I declined allowing the use of that reward and she stomped off in a huff...never to return to the class.

Funny thing was.....I worked in the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care hospital in the same City.....and who do you think walked in with her wonderful K9 companion shaking uncontrollably, diarrhea the likes of which parvo puppies get.....and a heart rate of over 220?

Imagine the size of the crow she consumed when she told me that the dog ate a 2 1/2lb bag of M&M's......

Oh.....by the way......the dog was an Akita. So I guess it really does depend on the individual dog and what their particular system can handle.....

[Rottie Dude]

yeah, it depends on the dog, you cant make a general statement for all of them.

[WorkinDogz]

Well the point was Rottie Dude.....that ANY amount contains a certain amount of toxins and those "few" Hershey's Kisses may do absolutely nothing; or...they could make him quite ill.

I think (now correct me if I'm wrong) the reason for the thread was to bring to light the dangers associated with chocolate (and what causes the problems) and to enlighten owners if their dog accidently ingests some....

I guess the bottom line is to me; why voluntarily give something to the dog that a.) has absolutely no nutritional value b.) contains a known toxin to his species and c.) runs the risk of at the very least giving him an upset stomach?

I guess I'm just one of those silly ones that doesn't give or suggest that anyone else gives their dogs treats just because "the doggie likes them" even though I KNOW they are toxic in any amount.

[Teena]

Wd is on the money. :) Consider this sentence "There is no specific antidote for this poisoning"...now knowing it has toxins in it, i would NEVER feed it to my dog!
I just thought this might be good to post in case your dog stole one of santa's cookies or something.
Teena

[MybabyZeus]

Thanks Teena:
We've already had to move all candy dishes to the top of the Fridge because the dogs have been snooping around for the Christmas Candy. (this is the only time of year that we buy it and keep it out).

How about peppermint? I've had to move all of the candy canes to the top of the tree b/c Zeus and Spike are stealing them and burying them in the back yard! Every since we put in that doggy door they have been stealing everything and hiding it on us!

[myagirl]

I have known that chocolate is a big no-no for dogs, but I am glad teena brought this topic up. I have a brother-in-law who still insists on allowing his dog to eat chocolate on occasion, even though I have told him repeatedly how dangerous this is. I think I am gonna e-mail him the link to this topic. Who knows if he will listen, but at least I am trying.

[alexav]

Good Thread!

Thanks for the reminder.
Yes, I've heard a story of a JRT that ate a whole giant size
Hershey bar and never even threw up...and the story of the Newfie who ate half a platter of brownies and didn't make it to the Vet's office.

As was already mentioned, different dogs tolerate different amounts. In addition, the quality of the chocolate is very decisive. American chocolate such as Hershey's has a relatively small amount of actual cocoa in it compared with more expensive, imported European chocolates. Therefore a larger amount COULD be consumed without serious affects. But please do not take the chance!

And if you are lucky enough to recieve a nice box of Godiva chocolates...treat it like it was "Dog poison in a box". Delicious yes! And very high content of real cocoa, thus lethal for a canine sneak!

Be careful with coffee and coffee grounds too.

Have a wonderful and SAFE holiday!:)

[thoradopter]

Thanks Teena,

You post should be heeded and praised, not contradicted with anecdotal 'case reports'. My husband, a biochemistry professor, just confirmed that the pharmacology in your original post is quite correct. Linda