Chocolates are Not a Canine's Best Friend

The chocolates we so love to eat may not be good for our beloved dogs. In fact, they may do our canine friends great harm. How toxic chocolate is to dogs and how much of this sweet it takes to cause an adverse reaction are issues addressed in this article.

The Culprit in Chocolate is Theobromine

Theobromine, a xanthine compound of the same family where caffeine and theophylline belong, is the ingredient that makes chocolate noxious to dogs. The amount of chocolate a dog needs to eat to make it feel sick varies, depending on the animal’s size and degree of sensitivity, and concentration of theobromine in the chocolate. In general, a dog would have to ingest a lot of chocolate to become ill.

Theobromine Concentration by Type of Chocolate.

The following list gives a clearer idea of how theobromine concentration varies by type of chocolate:
- Milk chocolate: 44 mg/oz.
- Semisweet chocolate: 150 mg/oz.
- Baker’s chocolate: 390 mg/oz.

Maximum about for a dog...

- 1 oz. milk chocolate for every 1 lb of a dog's weight
- 1 oz. semi-sweet chocolate for every 3 lbs of a dog's weight
- 1 oz. Baker's chocolate for every 9 lbs of a dog's weight

Thus, if your dog weighs 15 lbs, he will develop an adverse reaction after ingesting two ounces of Baker's chocolate. On the other hand, your dog will only experience mild digestive problems after ingesting two ounces of milk chocolate.

Signs of Chocolate Poisoning

Xanthine compounds like theobromine target the peripheral nerves, central nervous system, and cardiovascular system. Theobromine, like caffeine, is a diuretic so if your dog ingests excessive amounts of chocolate high in theobromine concentration, your dog will be vomiting, having diarrhea, and urinating frequently in large amounts. Your dog will also be too excitable and irritable. His heart rate will be high and he will experience muscle tremors.

Treatment for Chocolate Poisoning

To date, there is no known antidote to chocolate poisoning in canines. But if your dog does get chocolate poisoning, there are a number of things you can do to lessen the effects of the poisoning:

* Administering activated charcoal will inhibit absorption of theobromine into your dog's system.
* Giving your dog anticonvulsants will help control the neurological symptoms of chocolate poisoning.
* In order to protect your dog's heart, the veterinarian may prescribe oxygen therapy and intravenous medications. He will also direct you to get your dog drinking water and other liquids.

A dog may suffer from diarrhea 12 to 24 hours after ingesting milk chocolate. This digestive disorder should be treated symptomatically. Water or other fluids should be given to prevent dehydration. If your pet dog becomes ill after eating chocolate, get in touch with a veterinarian immediately. He is in the best position to know how to treat your sweet-toothed companion.

David Lee is the owner & designer of several pet sites. Find info on German Shepherd training, German Shepherd puppy . For cat lovers, cat furniture also cat kidney disease and pet steps.