dogs and chocolate toxicity
Why Dogs Should Never be Given Chocolate
We’ve all been there, you settle on the sofa with a box of chocolates and your dog starts to beg to share in your sweet treat. Those doleful eyes can be very hard to resist, but resist them you must. If you love your dog, then it is crucial that you remain firm on the issue of chocolate, because even a small amount can have profoundly negative effects on your pet’s health.
The Effects of Chocolate
It is not the chocolate itself that is poisonous to your dog, but a chemical called theobromine that is found in the cocoa bean. Some types of chocolate (principally dark chocolate) have a higher level of theobromine than others, but even if chocolate has a low concentration of the chemical, it should still not be fed to your dog.
Theobromine is highly toxic to dogs and can result in severe damage to the central nervous system and the heart. Therefore, in order to avoid unnecessary suffering, it is wise to ensure that your dog is never in contact with human varieties of chocolate.
But He/She Loves it!
Yes, for some reason that remains unexplained, dogs and the majority of other animals love chocolate, it is something that we share with our creature companions and, if we’re honest, it’s not that good for us either.
Nevertheless, there is something about chocolate that we find very attractive and even though it is toxic to them, dogs find it very appealing too. Unfortunately, this may mean that you need to be cruel to be kind. Of course, it is difficult to say ‘no’ when your dog so clearly loves what it smells, but in many ways, dogs are like children and when they don’t know what is best for them, we have to set the boundaries.
While we are on the subject of children, if you have any kids, it is important that they understand the serious repercussions of feeding chocolate to the dog. Furthermore, it is best to keep chocolate away from your dog as much as possible. Obviously, it is unrealistic to assume that your dog will never catch a whiff of the sweet stuff, but if you can reduce his, or her, exposure to chocolate, then you will not have the difficult task of refusing it.
Moreover, it is important that your dog cannot get to any chocolate in the house. Any foodstuffs containing chocolate should be placed where the dog is unable to reach it.
What to do if Your Dog Has Eaten Chocolate
If you know that your dog has ingested chocolate, it is crucial to call the vet. Your vet will be able to give you advice on what to do for your dog, which will usually include making the dog vomit with a dose of peroxide. However, you should not attempt to treat your animal until you have spoken to your veterinarian who may suggest an alternative course of action.
On the other hand, if you are unsure whether your dog has eaten chocolate, there are some symptoms that you should look out for. The most obvious indicator of having eaten chocolate is an upset stomach, so your dog may experience bouts of diarrhea and vomiting. Other symptoms include hyperactivity, muscle spasms and restlessness.
The next time you’re eating chocolate and your dog looks at you with those puppy dog eyes, try to remember that his, or her, health and wellbeing is very much in your hands. If you would like to give your canine pal a treat, then bear in mind that there are specifically designed chocolate products that are suitable for dogs and can be found in most pet stores.
About the Author
Samantha Markham is a UK-based professional writer. She is currently working for Remmeer.com, an online supplier of an array of pet products, including dog winter coats & parkas and ceramic dog bowls & dishes.
Dog and Chocolate Poisoning