It's not uncommon to see dog owners throwing food off their plates and into the mouths of an eager pet. According to research, 54% of owners think overfeeding or giving treats is a way of showing love to their pets. But the food we eat can be surprisingly dangerous for dogs. Show
So what food can't we share with them? Chocolate is poisonous for dogs, but you still hear stories of a loveable Labrador or daft dachshund sniffing out and devouring a whole family's Easter egg stash. Only 1% of owners intentionally give human chocolate regularly to their dog, according to the 2019 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report. Jump to:
Is chocolate toxic for dogs?No matter what you've heard, chocolate is toxic for your dog. That includes processed chocolates in the form of bars and boxes, as well as freshly-baked goods like brownies or cookies. Dogs are sensitive to the chemical theobromine and can react poorly to it, but overall it comes down to the quantity and type of chocolate, as well as the size of your dog. Here are the approximate amounts of theobromine in different types of chocolate:
Dogs don't break down theobromine in their digestive system the same way we do, which makes them sensitive to the effects of this chemical. As a general rule of thumb, the more cocoa solids in a chocolate product, the more theobromine there is, as it comes from cocoa beans. That said, theobromine in chocolate isn't the only risk for dogs. Chocolate is full of fat and sugar which can cause pancreatitis; a fatal condition if left untreated. Signs of chocolate poisoning in dogsIf your dog has eaten even a small amount of chocolate, watch out for these signs:
There are more serious symptoms if your dog has eaten a lot of theobromine. These include:
What to do if you think your dog has eaten chocolateIf there's a possibility your dog has eaten chocolate, keep an eye out for the symptoms above. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning will usually show within six to 12 hours, but could appear within one hour. If you know your dog has eaten chocolate, act immediately and don't wait for the signs to appear. We always recommend seeking veterinary advice if you have any concerns about the health of your pets. Take the following steps:
How are dogs treated for chocolate poisoning?In most cases, a vet will give a dog medication to make them vomit the chocolate they've eaten. Activated charcoal may also be given to absorb the rest of the theobromine and reduce the amount of toxins that get into the bloodstream. Charcoal can be given every four to six hours, so it's possible your dog will spend the day or night at the vets so they can be monitored. Your dog may also be given a drip to help stabilise the circulation of blood and fluids, and get rid of toxins. Other medications might be given if your dog has a fast or abnormal heart rate. It can be frightening as an owner if your dog is having tremors or a seizure. A vet will be able to act quickly to treat all signs of poisoning. Generally, with prompt treatment, dogs that have eaten chocolate are back to their usual selves within a day or two. How to prevent your dog stealing foodThe smell of something tasty can tempt even the most well-behaved dogs. Here are some helpful tips to prevent your dog getting hold of food that's not for them:
Other toxic foods Unfortunately, chocolate isn't the only food dangerous to dogs. We should be wary about giving our pets the same food we eat. The following foods can be poisonous:
Source: Battersea Foods high in fat and sugars shouldn't be given to dogs, even as a treat. Processed foods can contain additional chemicals or ingredients and even foods we would consider “healthy” such as grapes are Direct Line dog insurance could help pay for veterinary care should your dog get sick. How long does it take for a dog to get sick after eating chocolate?Chocolate is toxic to dogs and could cause a medical emergency. Signs of chocolate poisoning usually appear within 6 to 12 hours.
Can a dog survive after eating chocolate?Chocolate is poisonous to dogs mostly because of its theobromine content, which dogs are unable to metabolize effectively. If your dog eats chocolate, you should monitor them closely and seek veterinary attention if they show any symptoms, or if they are very young, pregnant or have other health concerns.
What should I do if my dog has eaten chocolate?Ideally get to your vet within 2 hours of them eating the chocolate (the sooner the better to reduce the amount of toxin absorbed) but even if it's been longer, treatment can still help. Your vet may want to make your pet vomit, so they bring up the chocolate that's been eaten.
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