With holidays approaching, keep chocolate away from your dogs.

Find out how chocolate can potentially harm your dog.

Why Chocolate is dangerous for your dog.

Chcolate is hazardous to dogs because of methylxanthine theobromine it is similar to caffeine that is often used as a diuretic, muscle relaxant, or heart stimulant. While it is rarely fatal, ingesting chocolate can make your dog incredibly ill and if untreated can become worse or exacerbate other problems which can cause death. While you may be stocking up for Halloween you will want to be careful to keep the sweets in a sealed container high above your pooch’s reach. This make your dog safer and will save you in vet bills. If your dog does ingest chocolate, however, here are a few things you should consider.

Variety of Chocolate

While the dark side may be tempting, it is the most harmful chocolate for your dog. The higher concentrations of methylxanthine theobromine give dark chocolate it’s richness and bitter taste. While dark chocolate can be excellent for us, it could cause your dog to vomit, have diarrhea or even cardiac arrest. If you have decided to give out the healthy option of dark chocolate this year, be sure to keep it on the highest shelf and watch your dog when around it.

Weight and Measures

The weight of the dog and the amount of chocolate ingested is connected. If a medium sized dog of 50 pounds eats eight ounces of milk chocolate or one ounce of baker’s chocolate it is likely that they will show symptoms of chocolate poisoning and must be taken to the vet immediately. However, smaller dogs need much less, a candy bar or cookie, may send them into dangerous vomiting or worse. Be sure to remember the weight of your dog when you find out it has eaten chocolate. If your German Shepherd ate your last chocolate chip cookie, he will probably be fine but if your Dachshund ingested a few Hershey kisses, you must call your veterinarian.

Slow Symptoms

The symptoms of chocolate ingestion may take hours to develop and can last days. If you believe your dog may have ingested chocolate, you should contact your veterinarian and find out what to do. It may be that you need to watch them over night or you may need to take them to the hospital immediately. Remember to consider the type of chocolate and the amount compared to your dog if they have eaten chocolate. This will help you find the best course of action and may safe your friend.

Sources:

http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/chocolate-poisoning-for-dogs/537