You love spoiling your dog with treats, but did you know that chocolate can be deadly to dogs?
It’s true—chocolate contains a compound that can be harmful to your dog, and in some cases, it can even be fatal. So, how can you prevent your dog from getting sick or worse?
In this article, we’ll cover the dangers of chocolate for dogs, how to prevent it, and what to do if your dog does eat chocolate.
Chocolate and Dogs: What’s the Big Deal?
Dogs and chocolate: it’s a deadly combination, but what’s the big deal?
Chocolate contains a compound called Theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. And the darker the chocolate, the more Theobromine it contains.
So why is chocolate so dangerous for dogs? It all comes down to how their bodies process the compound. Dogs can’t metabolize Theobromine as quickly as humans can, which means it builds up in their system and can cause serious health problems, even death.
The Dangers of Chocolate for Dogs
You may not know this, but chocolate is actually a toxin for dogs.
There are two main dangers of chocolate for dogs: theobromine and caffeine. Theobromine is a chemical that’s found in all chocolate, and it’s what can be deadly to dogs. Caffeine is also a toxin, and it’s found in darker chocolates and cocoa products.
If your dog eats enough chocolate, it can cause seizures, heart problems, and even death. Yikes! So what can you do to prevent your dog from eating chocolate?
The best thing you can do is keep all chocolate out of reach of your dog. Store it in a cupboard or pantry that your dog can’t get to. If you have guests over who are eating chocolate, make sure they store it somewhere out of reach too. And if your dog does manage to get into some chocolate, call your veterinarian right away.
How to Prevent Your Dog From Eating Chocolate
It’s no secret that chocolate is bad for dogs—it can kill them, in fact. But it’s not always easy to keep your dog from eating it.
Some people resort to putting bitter apple spray on chocolate or hiding it away in places that their dogs can’t reach, but both of these solutions have their drawbacks. Bitter apple spray can make your dog sick if he or she licks it off, and hiding chocolate can be a challenge if you have a particularly determined canine friend.
So what’s the best way to prevent your dog from eating chocolate? There’s no one answer that fits everyone, but here are a few things that might help:
- Place chocolate in a place where your dog can’t reach it
- Put it in a sealed container that your dog can’t get into
- Try using a deterrent like bitter apple spray
What to Do if Your Dog Eats Chocolate
If you think your dog has eaten chocolate, the first thing you need to do is call your veterinarian. They’ll probably tell you to bring in your dog for an examination.
But even before you make that call, there are a few things you can do to try and mitigate the damage. First, induce vomiting. You can do this by giving your dog hydrogen peroxide orally (3% hydrogen peroxide diluted in water).
If vomiting doesn’t work, then the next step is to give your dog activated charcoal. This will help absorb any toxins that may be in their system. And lastly, if everything else fails, then your vet may have to give your dog IV fluids to help flush the toxins out of their system.
FAQs About Chocolate and Dogs
Here are some of the most common questions we get about chocolate and dogs:
Q: Why is chocolate bad for dogs?
A: Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.
Q: What are the symptoms of chocolate poisoning?
A: Symptoms of chocolate poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, and seizures.
Q: How much chocolate can a dog eat before it becomes toxic?
A: It depends on the size of the dog and the type of chocolate. But in general, it takes less than an ounce of milk chocolate to cause symptoms in a small dog, and less than two ounces of dark chocolate.
Q: Is there any way to treat chocolate poisoning?
A: Yes, there are treatments available for chocolate poisoning, but it’s important to seek veterinary help as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Chocolate, especially the dark variety, can be deadly to dogs. It contains a toxin called theobromine which can cause serious health problems, even death.
There are several things you can do to prevent your dog from eating chocolate. Keep it stored where your dog can’t reach it, put a lid on your garbage cans, and keep an eye on your dog when you’re around chocolate.
If your dog does eat chocolate, there are some things you can do to help him or her. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your dog has eaten chocolate. Try to make him vomit, and then wait for help.
Chocolate is a delicious treat for humans, but it can be deadly to dogs. Make sure you take steps to prevent your dog from eating chocolate and know what to do if he or she does eat it.
