Bitter Lessons: All about chocolate toxicity in your furry friend
We know you love sharing your food with your beloved pet. It is true that sharing food = sharing love, but if you love your pooch, chocolates are a big no for them! Learn how chocolate toxicity can be dangerous for your pet.
– by Dr. Hitesh Raje
Chocolate contains substances known as methylxanthines (specifically caffeine and theobromine), which dogs are far more sensitive to than people. The onset of theobromine poisoning is usually marked by severe hyperactivity. Humans can break down and excrete methylxanthines such as theobromine more efficiently than dogs, and that’s the reason chocolate is not toxic for humans.
A delight that’ll turn into danger
One of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to giving chocolate to pets is – What makes chocolate toxic for dogs?
Experts say that the darker and more bitter the chocolate is, the greater the danger it poses for your furry friend. Different types of chocolate contain varying amounts of methylxanthines. A small amount of chocolate will probably only give your pet an upset stomach with vomiting or diarrhea. With large amounts, theobromine can produce muscle tremors, seizures, an irregular heartbeat, internal bleeding, or in severe cases even a heart attack.
Sweet treats, sour consequences
Thinking what should you do if your pet has eaten chocolate? If you know your pet has eaten chocolate, or has any of the symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away.
Remember, with any poisoning, it’s always cheaper, less invasive, and has a better prognosis/outcome if you treat early. Once your pet has already developed clinical signs and is affected by the poison, it makes difficult for veterinarian to treat easily.
Forbidden indulgence and its signs to lookout for
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Increased body temperature
- Increased reflex responses
- Muscle rigidity
- Rapid breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Seizures
- Advanced signs – (cardiac failure, weakness, and coma)
Choco challenges – prevention and diagnosis
Take your pet to the vet immediately if you notice any of these signs and suspect that he might have eaten chocolate. It is a common practice to induce vomiting and control any seizures. Keep your furry friend in a calm and quiet place and don’t show panic in front of him.
Fluids will be given to keep your pet hydrated as his condition improves. Make sure you follow the dosage instructions of all the medications that your vet prescribes. And also ask your vet about the diet during the recovery phase.
It is crucial for your pet’s health to keep chocolate products out of their reach, as there is no antidote to chocolate toxicity.
(Dr. Hitesh Raje – Veterinary Officer, RAPTC Madhya Pradesh Police, Indore)