Share:

Chocolate is among the most popular foods that people eat. However, unlike other foods that you might share with furry friends, chocolate is toxic to dogs, andĀ pet care specialists recommend that you should avoid giving it to them. Below is more information about why this is the case, as well as what to do if your dog consumes some.

Why Chocolate IsĀ Toxic to Dogs

Chocolate contains two chemicals that humans can metabolize well but dogs cannot:Ā theobromine and caffeine. This means that theĀ substances stay in their system longer and make dogs more susceptible to the effects. Both chemicalsĀ dilate blood vessels, stimulate the heart, increase the passage of urine, and relax the muscles of the gut.

Depending on the size of your dog, even a small amount of chocolate can be toxic andĀ lead to dangerous symptoms. Cocoa powder contains theĀ highest concentration, followed by unsweetened baker's chocolate and semisweet morsels. Dark chocolate and milk chocolate contain less, and white chocolate the least. The latter is thus less dangerous, but still concerning.

Common Signs a Dog Ate Chocolate

pet careBecause of their sensitivity, dogs may display several symptoms after consuming chocolate. These include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, elevated heart rate, and seizures. Typically, these symptoms will appear within an hour or two of when the dog ate the chocolate. However, it can take up to 10 hours for your furry friend to show the signs.

How to Help Them

If you believe your dog ate a significant amount of chocolate, contact your veterinarianĀ for pet care advice immediately. Depending on the amount and type that your dog ate, the veterinarian may have you monitor the animal for worsening symptoms orĀ bring them into the clinic. If the incident occurred within the past two hours, your vet may induce vomiting to prevent further absorption. They may also give the dog activated charcoal, which binds the toxic substances.Ā 

Ā 

For the highest quality pet care when your dog ingests something it shouldn't have, contact Dothan Animal Hospital in Houston County, AL. They have been serving the Tri-State area since 1943, and specialize in pet preventative medicine, dental care, immunizations, grooming, and microchipping. They even offer pet boarding. Learn more about their services on theĀ website. Call (334) 793-9779 to make a pet care appointment.

tracking