With Halloween on the way, families are stocking up their candy supplies to get ready for trick-or-treaters. If you’re a dog owner, you will need to be vigilant and keep your sweets out of reach. Veterinarians frequently warn that candy, especially chocolate, is hazardous for your furry friends. Here’s what you need to know about the effects of chocolate and what you should do in the event of ingestion to keep your beloved pets safe. 

Why Is Chocolate Toxic for Dogs?

While dog owners know that chocolate is dangerous for their pets, most are unaware of what makes it toxic. The culprit is theobromine, a chemical easily metabolized by humans but difficult to process for dogs. Depending on the type and amount consumed, theobromine can produce different levels of toxicity. Cocoa powder, baking chocolate, and semisweet chocolate contain the highest concentrations of theobromine.

What Are the Symptoms of Chocolate Poisoning?

You might not always catch your dog in the act. During Halloween, you will likely have more chocolate in the house than usual, so pay close attention to your four-legged pal’s behavior. Signs of chocolate poisoning in dogs include severe hyperactivity, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, internal bleeding, and irregular heartbeat. If you see stray wrappers or notice symptoms of poisoning, you should call your veterinarian right away. 

How Should I Treat My Dog?

There are a few factors to keep in mind if you discover your dog has been eating chocolate. These aspects include the amount they ate, the type of chocolate they found, and the size and health of your dog. Remove any remaining chocolate from the area and determine the risk. For instance, larger and healthier canines will be at less of a risk of poisoning than smaller dogs with health conditions. If your dog has consumed a small amount of milk chocolate, which contains lower levels of theobromine, you may just need to monitor their health for a few days.

Large quantities of chocolate and varieties high in theobromine will warrant an immediate call to your veterinarian. They might advise you to watch for symptoms, or in severe cases, urge you to bring your dog to the pet clinic. To remove the toxins, your vet may induce vomiting with activated charcoal within two hours of ingestion. IV fluids and medication might be used to flush out the effects of poisoning completely.

To prevent your dog from getting into the chocolate stash, provide them with a peanut butter-filled bone to keep their sweet tooth satisfied. 

If you believe your pet has gotten into some chocolate this Halloween, reach out to Cat & Dog Hospital of Columbia. Located in Howard County, MD, this animal hospital is fully equipped to handle all of your pet’s health needs. With state-of-the-art equipment, an experienced staff, and a wide range of pet care services, they go above and beyond to offer the best in modern veterinary medicine. Learn more about their services online. To schedule a visit with a veterinarian, call (410) 995-6880.