Why is Chocolate Bad for Dogs?

Who would have thought that something like chocolate could be bad for dogs? As a pet parent, it’s important to exercise caution when tempted to feed your furry friend a piece of chocolate. Read on to learn more about whether or not dogs can eat chocolate.

Why is chocolate harmful for dogs?

The theobromine and caffeine present in chocolate can be harmful for your pet dog. Although not often fatal, dogs metabolize theobromine and caffeine differently than people do. The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more damage it can do to your dog’s health. Cocoa beans and unsweetened cocoa powder have the most theobromine.

Even if dogs are given a non-toxic dose of theobromine, they can develop vomiting, diarrhea or pancreatitis from the fat and sugar in chocolate. Milk chocolate may contain a lower percentage of cocoa and may not do as much damage as dark chocolate. However, it is good to consult with your vet before you proceed ahead. White chocolate, on the other hand, is your safest bet as it has low levels of this chemical. However, it is extremely fatty and full of processed sugar, you should treat your pet with this chocolate rarely.

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs can be as simple as hyperactivity, vomiting, and diarrhea or as complex as cardiac arrhythmia, heart problems, muscle tremors, and seizures. In extreme cases, it can also lead to death. Sometimes, these symptoms can also develop if the dog has eaten small amounts of chocolate. Also, the size of your furry friend could determine the magnitude of the reaction. For instance, if the same amount of dark chocolate is given to a Chihuahua and a Saint Bernards, then there is a good chance that the smaller dog suffers more or could face greater consequences.

Treatment for chocolate poisoning in dogs

In case your beloved pet has mistakenly consumed chocolate, it can be treated by inducing vomiting. Induced vomiting should take place within two hours of ingestion. If not, it might be too late to safeguard your dog from chocolate poisoning. The type of treatment that can be administered to your pet depends on the dose of theobromine ingested. The treatment may include decontamination, gastrointestinal support, heart rate monitoring, fluid support and blood pressure monitoring.

Prevention and precautions

First and foremost, keep all types of chocolates out of your dog’s reach. Train your dog to steer clear of chocolates. Moreover, invest in crate training, this will keep your dog safe from many things even when you are not around them. These methods will provide your pet with the safety it needs from chocolate poisoning.

Now that you know why chocolate is bad for dogs, it will help you snack up on a chocolate bar without sharing it with your pet… no matter how convincing its puppy eyes look. After all, you are keeping your dog safe from unwanted health issues.