Dogs have become very important pets because of the difference they make to people's way of life. This is why dog owners would do anything to safeguard the well being of the pet. A dog owner would never intentionally harm the pet but there are situations where the owner can put the life of the pet at risk. Dogs are well loved pets - even considered as pseudo people thus it would not be uncommon for pet parents to allow the dog to eat human foods. People love chocolates thus the pet would develop a liking for this food too.
A dog that is given bits of chocolate every time the owner snacks on this delicious food would develop a taste for chocolates too. Chocolates though contain Theobromine, a chemical that makes chocolates poisonous to dog. Theobromine, a chemical contained by chocolates cannot be metabolized by dogs. Poisoning will occur if dogs ingests high levels of Theobromine. Chocolate poisoning will cause the dog to suffer abdominal pain. The dog will then vomit bits of chocolates. Oftentimes, the vomit of a poisoned dog will be bloody and would have a chocolaty smell. A severely affected dog would be restless and appear intoxicated so that it would have a wobbling gait. Dogs poisoned by chocolates would salivate excessively and have bluish gums. Dogs that seize can die.
There is no antidote for Theobromine thus dogs that have ingested chocolates must be rushed to a veterinary facility at once for urgent treatment. Treatment is imperative more so if the dog is already seizing. Chocolate poisoning has killed about 50% of the poisoned dogs. What should a dog owner do if the pet eats chocolate?
If the pet is not yet vomiting, vomiting must be induced especially if the kind of chocolate as well as the amount ingested is unknown. Apomorphine, hydrogen peroxide, Syrup of Ipecac or table salt dissolved in water can be used to induce the dog to vomit. For dogs that are vomiting repeatedly, anti vomiting drugs are given.
Activated charcoal and other intestinal absorbents must only be given after the vomiting of the dog was controlled. Intestinal absorbents must be administered as Theobromine that was already deactivated by the liver can be reactivated if reabsorbed by the intestines. Anticonvulsants may be necessary if the dog is showing neurological signs. Oxygen therapy, the administration of intravenous medication and fluid therapy are other treatments given to a dog that is poisoned by chocolates.
A dog that is given bits of chocolate every time the owner snacks on this delicious food would develop a taste for chocolates too. Chocolates though contain Theobromine, a chemical that makes chocolates poisonous to dog. Theobromine, a chemical contained by chocolates cannot be metabolized by dogs. Poisoning will occur if dogs ingests high levels of Theobromine. Chocolate poisoning will cause the dog to suffer abdominal pain. The dog will then vomit bits of chocolates. Oftentimes, the vomit of a poisoned dog will be bloody and would have a chocolaty smell. A severely affected dog would be restless and appear intoxicated so that it would have a wobbling gait. Dogs poisoned by chocolates would salivate excessively and have bluish gums. Dogs that seize can die.
There is no antidote for Theobromine thus dogs that have ingested chocolates must be rushed to a veterinary facility at once for urgent treatment. Treatment is imperative more so if the dog is already seizing. Chocolate poisoning has killed about 50% of the poisoned dogs. What should a dog owner do if the pet eats chocolate?
If the pet is not yet vomiting, vomiting must be induced especially if the kind of chocolate as well as the amount ingested is unknown. Apomorphine, hydrogen peroxide, Syrup of Ipecac or table salt dissolved in water can be used to induce the dog to vomit. For dogs that are vomiting repeatedly, anti vomiting drugs are given.
Activated charcoal and other intestinal absorbents must only be given after the vomiting of the dog was controlled. Intestinal absorbents must be administered as Theobromine that was already deactivated by the liver can be reactivated if reabsorbed by the intestines. Anticonvulsants may be necessary if the dog is showing neurological signs. Oxygen therapy, the administration of intravenous medication and fluid therapy are other treatments given to a dog that is poisoned by chocolates.
About the Author:
Dog chocolate poisoning is a searious matter. Learn more about what to do if your dog eats chocolate, why they cannot have chocolate and chocolate toxicity in dogs at Sarah's Dogs.
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