What to do if your dog is poisoned by chocolate

The dog was poisoned by chocolate - veterinarians make this diagnosis almost every day. Wanting to pamper their four-legged friend with something tasty, animal owners often make a fatal mistake. By feeding chocolates or any other confectionery products containing cocoa beans, you can quickly lose your beloved pet. Few owners know that chocolate is a deadly treat and is not at all absorbed by the dog’s body.

Why dogs can't have chocolate

The human body is significantly different from the dog’s, and what is considered safe and beneficial for humans is completely contraindicated for dogs. It’s rare that any four-legged pet will refuse to treat themselves to a chocolate candy, and in some cases, more than one. Kind and loving owners, trying to please their four-legged friend, watch with emotion as their pet devolves a sweet treat on both cheeks. But after some time, the picture changes significantly: the beloved pet no longer looks contented and happy; on the contrary, the condition of the furry friend begins to deteriorate every minute.

The fact is that cocoa contains certain substances - methylxanthines, which are not absorbed by the dog's body. Caffeine and theobromine are present in any chocolate treat; dark and bitter chocolate are especially rich in these substances. In white and milk, their presence is minimal, but this does not mean that the pet can consume sweetness all the time. Methylxanthines have a cumulative effect, so if the animal regularly receives even one slice of milk or white treat, intoxication will still not be avoided.

The dangerous levels of theobromine and caffeine in various types of chocolate are as follows:

1. Dark –7 grams per kg of animal weight;
2. Dairy – 55.5 grams per kg of pet’s body weight;
3. White – 25 grams per kg of pet’s weight.

Symptoms of dog poisoning from chocolate products

The symptoms of theobromine poisoning are similar to many intoxications with toxic substances. To understand the true cause of the illness and choose an effective treatment for chocolate poisoning in dogs, the owner must remember the last time the pet consumed sweets with cocoa beans. The following signs indicate theobromine poisoning:

1. The animal becomes overly excited. Heartbeat and urination increase. Info! It should be remembered that chocolate is poison for dogs, often leading to the death of the animal. If the dose of treats was too high, within 1.5 days the animal may develop heart failure, coma and then death.

   First aid

   If there is a suspicion that the animal may have been poisoned by theobromine, the victim must be urgently taken to a veterinarian. What to do if your dog ate chocolate? The owner's first aid before visiting a specialist consists of administering any adsorbent to the pet inside. An effective remedy is considered to be (inducing a gag reflex), this will cleanse the body of toxins. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), table salt or hydrogen peroxide diluted with water (1:1) will help provoke vomiting.

   Treatment

   Regardless of how much sweetness is eaten, the animal still needs to be urgently taken to a veterinary clinic. A blood test will be taken from the injured pet and an intravenous drip will be placed. When poisoning with chocolate products, a sharp decrease in blood sugar often occurs, so it may be necessary to administer a 40% glucose solution.

   It is very important to take the necessary assistance measures in the first 4 hours after consuming a sweet product; in this case, complete recovery occurs.

   Prevention of chocolate poisoning in dogs

   Every owner is obliged to prevent the development of poisoning in his four-legged friend. The lethal dose of chocolate for a dog depends on the weight category of the animal, age and health status of the four-legged friend. The lower the weight of a shaggy pet, the more dangerous it is for him to be poisoned by a sweet treat. You can prevent intoxication if:

   1. Do not give confectionery to your pet;
   2. Hide candy in places inaccessible to your pet;
   3. Explain to children and other household members about the dangers of theobromine for animals.

   Cocoa beans are a very dangerous product for the health of your furry pet. No matter how the pet begs for a treat, dogs are not allowed chocolate, even in small quantities. In the pet supply department you can purchase a special product that does not contain cocoa. This treat is completely safe and also very beneficial for the animal.