Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs

Yes, you read it right ! Chocolates- of all the things are serious causes of poisoning in dogs. Chocolates contain a substance called theobromine which is responsible for stimulating the heart (cardiac stimulant) and increase the Urine output (diuretic). It is also known to make the dog hyperactive. (I recall a case where in the owner described this state as “ the dog was going bonkers”).

The common symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs are vomiting, diarrhoea, irregular heart beat, restlessness, seizures, body tremors, frequent urination, drinking lots of water.

In general, the bitter and darker the chocolate, greater is the risk of poisoning. Cocoa powder and cooking chocolate are extremely toxic. Milk chocolates are much less poisonous. In between the two ends of the spectrum lie the other chocolates.

Further, the smaller the size of the dog, the more susceptible it would be to chocolate poisoning. The signs of sickness may not be noticed until quite a few hours have lapsed after the intake of chocolate and owners are often unable to make a link to the episode of sickness with the intake of chocolate. Let me quantify it for you. A dog weighing around 25 kg may become fatally sick by consuming about 30 g of cocoa powder / dark bitter chocolate.

Unfortunately, there is no antidote to chocolate poisoning and initial aggressive therapy, hospitalization is required to cure the dog.

Points to note

No cakes and chocolates for the dog. No cakes on its birthday. Teach the kids. They are more responsible than they are given credit for. Be more careful when hosting parties. Ensure safe disposal of left – overs. More so when your dog is in the habit of inspecting the bin regularly.

Let’s spread the word! Share this with fellow pet owners.