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We have all heard of the foods that are harmful to our dogs.
But have you ever asked yourself just how harmful they really could be? What if I give them just a little bit, would it still be harmful?
It can be difficult not to give your pets some of the foods you enjoy most like CHOCOLATES!
Imagine this: You're enjoying a delicious creamy chocolate bar and your furry friend is sitting beside you, wagging their tail and looking up at you with their big, pleading eyes. It can be tempting to share a bite or two with them, but as much as you love your dog and want to give them everything they want, chocolate is one treat that they should never have.
But why? Here’s everything you need to know about why chocolate is a no-go for dogs. Understanding the potential risks associated with chocolate is crucial for the safety of your furry companion. Take a moment to review this info anytime and keep being an awesome, attentive pet parent!
Dogs cannot eat chocolate because it contains a chemical called theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Theobromine is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system and cardiovascular system in dogs. While humans can metabolize theobromine quickly, dogs metabolize it much more slowly, which allows it to build up in their system and become toxic. Even a small amount of chocolate can cause theobromine to build up in your dog's system and cause a range of symptoms. Confectioners' baking chocolate contains a much higher concentration of theobromine compared to milk chocolate, making it particularly dangerous.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Milk Chocolate: Has about 44-64 milligrams of theobromine per ounce.
Confectioners' Baking Chocolate: Packs a whopping 390-450 milligrams per ounce.
For a French Bulldog weighing 20 pounds, these are rough amounts where things start to
get risky and symptoms can start to be visible:
Confectioners' Baking Chocolate: Just 2.5 to 3 ounces.
Milk Chocolate: Around 6 to 8 ounces.
The danger really depends on the type of chocolate, how much they ate, and how sensitive your dog is.
SYMPTOMS...
The symptoms of chocolate toxicity in dogs can vary from barely noticeable to extreme projections, like a bit of stomach upset to more severe problems like seizures or heart trouble. Symptoms to look out for include:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Increased thirst and urination
Restlessness and hyperactivity
Rapid breathing
Increased heart rate
Muscle tremors or seizures
In severe cases, coma or death
Remember, these are just general guidelines, and how much chocolate it takes to make your dog sick can vary. If your French Bulldog manages to ingest any chocolate, don’t hesitate—give your vet a call. They’ll guide you on what to do next and what to watch out for based on how much chocolate was eaten and how your dog is doing.
TREATMENT
Treatment will depend on how much and what kind they’ve eaten. They might start by making your dog vomit and give them activated charcoal to stop the theobromine from being absorbed into their system. Sometimes, they’ll give more activated charcoal later to keep things under control. Your vet might also use IV fluids to help flush out the theobromine and keep your dog stable. They’ll keep a close eye on your pup for any signs like agitation, vomiting, diarrhea, nervousness, weird heartbeats, or high blood pressure. They might need some extra meds to ease these symptoms too.
AT HOME CARE
But what if you can not get your pup to a vet right away? What can you do? In the absence of specific veterinary instructions, general home care recommendations for ingested chocolate include:
Monitor Symptoms: Observe your dog closely for signs of chocolate toxicity such as restlessness, increased thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, tremors, or seizures. Document any changes in behavior or symptoms.
Offer Water: Ensure freshwater is available for your dog to drink. Encourage hydration to help dilute the chocolate in their system. However, do not force water if your dog is unwilling or unable to drink.
Provide Comfort and Rest: Create a calm and quiet environment for your dog to rest, reducing stress and exertion. Ensure they have a comfortable and undisturbed space.
Monitor Elimination: Keep track of your dog’s bowel movements and urine output. Notify your veterinarian if you observe abnormalities such as prolonged diarrhea or reduced urination.
Avoid Additional Treats or Food: Refrain from giving additional treats or food during this period, as it could exacerbate their condition or complicate digestion.
Contact Your Veterinarian: If symptoms are worsening or have concerns about your dog's condition, contact your veterinarian immediately for further guidance.
These guidelines are general and may not apply to every case. Specific care instructions will vary depending on the severity of chocolate ingestion, the dog’s size and overall health, and should really be followed by having a veterinarian's evaluation.
What About Dog Treats with Chocolate?
You might have seen some fancy dog treats that look like they have chocolate. Don’t worry too much—most of these actually use carob, which is a safe chocolate alternative. Carob looks a lot like chocolate but doesn’t have theobromine, so it's generally safe for dogs. Some specialty treats might use a tiny bit of milk chocolate, which usually has a low enough theobromine level to be okay for most dogs. Still, it’s best to avoid giving your dog chocolate in any form just to be safe.
To keep your furry friend safe, it's important to avoid giving them any chocolate and to be mindful of other foods that are harmful to dogs, like grapes, onions, and garlic. Instead, treat your pup to some dog-friendly snacks, like apple slices or homemade dog treats made with safe ingredients. And if you ever suspect that your dog has ingested something they shouldn't, don't hesitate to call your veterinarian for guidance.
Keeping Chocolate Away From Dogs
Prevention is always the best approach, so it's important to keep all potentially harmful substances out of reach of your dog. Keep all human foods and medications stored securely, and supervise your dog closely when outside or in unfamiliar environments. When there are dogs in the home, store chocolate in a safe place: Keep chocolate in a secure location that your dog cannot access, such as a high cupboard or a locked pantry.
Dispose of chocolate properly: Make sure to dispose of chocolate wrappers and any uneaten chocolate in a secure trash can that your dog cannot access.
Educate others: It is very common for non dog owners to not know the dangers of certain foods. Make sure that family members, visitors, and house guests know about the dangers of chocolate for dogs and remind them to keep it out of reach.
Use dog-proof containers: If you have a dog, consider using dog-proof containers to store your chocolate. These containers are designed to keep dogs from accessing the contents.
Keep an eye on your dog: Always supervise your dog, just like a child. Dogs are very curious and love to explore their surroundings and put everything in their mouths, so being an alert pup parent is a must. Especially vigilant when in an unfamiliar setting or environment where you don’t know what they can get into.
To wrap it up, chocolate is a major hazard for dogs, even small amounts of chocolate can lead to some serious health issues. To keep your dog safe, always choose treats that are specifically made for them and make sure any chocolate is well out of their reach. If you think your dog might have had some chocolate, don’t hesitate to call your vet for advice.
Stay safe!
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