With Halloween a few weeks away, many families are likely to have more chocolate than usual lying around the house. If your household has a canine, keep these sweet treats out of their dog kennel and somewhere they can’t access. Although chocolate is a delicious treat for humans, it contains theobromine, an ingredient that can cause adverse health implications for your four-legged friend.

What Happens When Dogs Eat Chocolate?

1. Vomiting & Diarrhea

These symptoms are common in mild or moderate cases of theobromine poisoning. Vomiting and diarrhea are likely to appear in dogs that have consumed small amounts of chocolate. This will also happen if dogs eat white and milk varieties as these treats have lower levels of theobromine than dark chocolate and cocoa.

2. Seizures

Larger amounts of theobromine can impact the central nervous system, leading to muscle twitching and seizures. These are fairly serious side effects, and they should be addressed by a veterinarian immediately. Treatment usually includes inducing vomiting within the first few hours after the chocolate was consumed to minimize the amount of theobromine absorbed into the body.

3. Heart Attack

In severe cases, theobromine poisoning can cause a heart attack or death. A lethal dose is anything over 100mg per kg of body weight. Although larger dogs can consume more than smaller breeds without showing severe side effects, play it safe by keeping all chocolate away from your dog kennel and out of reach.

Learning about health concerns is only one part of being a responsible pet owner. You also need a quality dog kennel and pet grooming provider to keep your furry friend clean, active, and happy. Based in Keaau, HI, Bar-King Dog Kennel will ensure that your boarded friend gets the love and attention they need during their stay. Learn more about their services online, or call (808) 966-8733 to schedule an appointment.