Chocolates are loved by humans but these delicious and rather addicting food that are produced from cacao seeds can be poisonous to dogs. Just like humans; dogs love the yummy goodness of chocolates too. Aside from the threat of gaining weight, eating chocolate would have no other dangerous effects on humans. For dogs, death can be the outcome of eating large amounts of chocolates.
Not many dog owners are aware that this innocuous looking people food can have disastrous effects when eaten by the pet. The cacao seeds from where chocolate products are derived contain a chemical called Theobromine. Theobromine causes poisoning because this substance cannot be metabolized by dogs. Chocolate poisoning would depend on the amount and kind of chocolate eaten by the dog. Not all chocolate products can poison the dog as these human food would have varying degrees of Theobromine content.
Misinformation would cause a dog owner to panic if the pet was seen eating the milk chocolate bar left lying around. A bar of milk chocolate will certainly be loved by the dog. Mixed with milk and sugar, the chocolate content of this product would be low This means that the pet may not show signs of poisoning.
Poisoning would occur if the pet had binged on dark chocolates or has eaten significant amounts of baker's chocolate. Baking chocolate and dark chocolate are almost pure chocolate and a gram can contain about 16mg of Theobromine and it only takes 130mg per kilogram of the dog's body weight to cause poisoning.
If a dog ingests sufficient amounts of Theobromine signs of poisoning will occur. Abdominal pain and vomiting will be the first signs . Owners that have not seen the dog eating chocolate would know what is happening to the pet as the vomit will contain not only blood but also bits of chocolates. The effects of Theobromine in the dog's system would cause the dog to appear intoxicated so that standing up and walking would be difficult. Frequent urination and increased heart rate would be seen in dogs poisoned by chocolates. Other symptoms of chocolate poisoning are seizures and coma that can lead to the death of the pet thus immediate treatment would be very necessary. There is no antidote for chocolate poisoning. The dog must be taken immediately to a veterinary facility for the needed management.
Not many dog owners are aware that this innocuous looking people food can have disastrous effects when eaten by the pet. The cacao seeds from where chocolate products are derived contain a chemical called Theobromine. Theobromine causes poisoning because this substance cannot be metabolized by dogs. Chocolate poisoning would depend on the amount and kind of chocolate eaten by the dog. Not all chocolate products can poison the dog as these human food would have varying degrees of Theobromine content.
Misinformation would cause a dog owner to panic if the pet was seen eating the milk chocolate bar left lying around. A bar of milk chocolate will certainly be loved by the dog. Mixed with milk and sugar, the chocolate content of this product would be low This means that the pet may not show signs of poisoning.
Poisoning would occur if the pet had binged on dark chocolates or has eaten significant amounts of baker's chocolate. Baking chocolate and dark chocolate are almost pure chocolate and a gram can contain about 16mg of Theobromine and it only takes 130mg per kilogram of the dog's body weight to cause poisoning.
If a dog ingests sufficient amounts of Theobromine signs of poisoning will occur. Abdominal pain and vomiting will be the first signs . Owners that have not seen the dog eating chocolate would know what is happening to the pet as the vomit will contain not only blood but also bits of chocolates. The effects of Theobromine in the dog's system would cause the dog to appear intoxicated so that standing up and walking would be difficult. Frequent urination and increased heart rate would be seen in dogs poisoned by chocolates. Other symptoms of chocolate poisoning are seizures and coma that can lead to the death of the pet thus immediate treatment would be very necessary. There is no antidote for chocolate poisoning. The dog must be taken immediately to a veterinary facility for the needed management.
About the Author:
Ohh no.. My dog ate whole bunch of chocolate. Now what! Learn more about what to do if your dog eats chocolate. While this article have given you some knowledge. More information about foods that are toxic to dogs can be found at Sarah's Dogs.
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