Most dog owners know that their furry friends shouldn't have chocolate. However, if your dog gets into your Valentine’s Day chocolates, you’ll need to take prompt action. Whether you need to go to the animal hospital or a veterinarian, the following guide will help you know what steps to take.

Identifying Chocolate Poisoning 

Cocoa contains caffeine and theobromine, both of which can impact a dog’s central nervous system, respiratory system, and cardiovascular system in life-threatening ways. Dogs who consume dangerous levels of caffeine and theobromine by eating chocolate might experience tremors, seizures, rapid heart rate, and restlessness. Other symptoms of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, and increased urination. Such symptoms tend to arise within six to 12 hours of eating chocolate and may worsen over the following 72 hours.

Generally speaking, smaller dogs are at a higher risk of chocolate poisoning. Because of their lower body weight, it takes considerably less theobromine and caffeine to cause serious harm. Older dogs and dogs that have preexisting cardiovascular or respiratory conditions are also more vulnerable to chocolate poisoning. 

Additionally, chocolate with a higher cocoa content is more dangerous than chocolate with less cocoa. If your large bull mastiff ate a couple of pieces of milk chocolate, for example, you might be able to wait and see if they start displaying any symptoms. If, on the other hand, your small chihuahua had a bag of dark chocolate, you should bring them to the veterinarian right away.

Treating Chocolate Poisoning 

As soon as your dog exhibits any signs of chocolate poisoning, reach out to your veterinarian. After confirming your pets’ weights, they’ll want to know how much and what kind of chocolate was eaten. You’ll then be instructed to either monitor them closely or bring them in for care. 

Should the case warrant medical intervention, your vet may induce vomiting or give the patient activated charcoal, which will help flush out the toxins before they’re absorbed. In severe cases of chocolate poisoning, the vet may administer various medications to combat the worst of the symptoms and restore the dog’s normal heart rate and blood pressure. 

If your dogs get into your Valentine’s candy, take them to Thompson Animal Medical Center for prompt treatment. Located in La Crosse, WI, their compassionate veterinarians are available to provide emergency care. This full-service animal hospital is equipped to treat dogs, cats, and all kinds of small exotic animals. To schedule an appointment for your furry friends, reach out on their website or call (608) 788-8820.