Clinical signs depend on the dose of theobromine ingested. For many dogs, the most common clinical signs are vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, panting or restlessness, excessive urination, and racing heart rate. In severe cases, symptoms can include cardiac arrhythmias, muscle tremors, and seizures.

How much chocolate is toxic to a dog?

For example, one ounce of milk chocolate per pound of a dog's body weight can be deadly compared to unsweetened baking chocolate, where as little as 0.1 ounces per pound of a dog's body weight may be lethal. For this reason, even ingesting small amounts, especially in a smaller dog, should be treated as an emergency.

What if my dog accidentally ate chocolate?

If you think your dog has eaten chocolate, or if they have any of these symptoms, contact the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 or your veterinarian or emergency vet right away: Vomiting. Diarrhea. Increased body temperature.

How to flush chocolate out of a dog's system?

If your pet consumed the chocolate less than two hours ago, your veterinarian may induce vomiting in your dog and give them several doses of activated charcoal, which works to move the toxins out of the body without being absorbed into the bloodstream.

How long does it take for a dog to show signs of poisoning?

For instance, the first symptoms of antifreeze poisoning can appear in as little as 30 minutes, whereas the symptoms of chocolate poisoning take between 6 and 12 hours to show up. Despite the potency of anticoagulant rat poisons, it can take 3-5 days after ingestion for dogs to show symptoms.

What to Do if Your Dog Eats Chocolate?

How to flush poison out of a dog's system?

The vet may perform gastric lavage to flush the substance out of the stomach. Charcoal is used to neutralize the substance. In some cases, colonic enemas may be used to flush the substance from the intestines . IV fluids are administered, and pain medications may be provided.

How long does it take for a dog to show signs of poisoning from chocolate?

It can take 6 to 12 hours for symptoms of chocolate poisoning to appear in your dog. So, if you already know your dog's eaten chocolate, don't wait for any of the above symptoms to appear, call your vet. If it's after hours and your veterinarian's clinic is, call a local emergency vet.

Should you let your dog drink water after eating chocolate?

Diarrhea & Upset Stomach

If your dog has not eaten enough chocolate to become toxic, but does show signs of diarrhea or upset stomach, a conservative treatment is to withhold all food for 12-24 hours or feed small amounts of an easily digested diet at more frequent intervals. Water should be offered at all times.

How do I fix my dog after eating chocolate?

First aid for chocolate poisoning:

There is no antidote to Theobromine. In most cases of chocolate poisoning, your vet will initially make your dog vomit, wash out their stomach and then feed them activated charcoal to absorb any Theobromine left in the intestine.

What happens if a dog eats brownies?

The symptoms of chocolate poisoning would include vomiting and diarrhoea as well as frequent urination, and restlessness in the early stages. This can then progress to cardiac dysfunction, tremors and fits. Of course, you should call your vet without delay if any symptoms appear.

What if my dog eats chocolate but is acting fine home remedies?

With the type of chocolate she ate and the amount she is right in between the dose that can cause some moderate to severe issues and mild issues. I would recommend inducing vomiting using hydrogen peroxide at a dose of 4 tablespoons by mouth, wait 15 minutes and repeat if she doesn't vomit.

What if my dog eats chocolate cake but is acting fine?

Some dogs can eat chocolate and then appear perfectly fine. “If a dog ingests chocolate and does not show clinical signs, it's simply because they did not ingest an amount of methylxanthines [the active ingredients in caffeine] high enough to cross the toxic threshold,” says Harris.

Will one M&M hurt a dog?

If your dog ate a small amount of chocolate such as a few M&Ms, it is unlikely they will experience any severe symptoms. However, dogs should not eat chocolate as it is toxic to pets. If your dog has consumed chocolate, you should seek treatment immediately and monitor them for signs of chocolate poisoning.

What to feed a dog after they eat chocolate?

There is no antidote to theobromine. In most cases, your vet will make your dog vomit. They may wash out the stomach and feed activated charcoal which will absorb any theobromine left in the intestine. Other treatments will depend on the signs your dog is showing.

Should I be worried if my dog ate a small piece of chocolate?

Chocolate is poisonous to dogs mostly because of its theobromine content, which dogs are unable to metabolize effectively. If your dog eats chocolate, you should monitor them closely and seek veterinary attention if they show any symptoms, or if they are very young, pregnant or have other health concerns.

Can dogs eat 100% chocolate?

The answer is a resounding no. Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and depending on the type and amount consumed, it can cause serious illness or even death. Panic turns to urgency. You scoop up Buster and grab the car keys.

Can dogs recover from eating chocolate on their own?

Your dog must be carefully monitored until her symptoms subside, which may take up to seventy-two hours. The ASPCA Poison Control estimates twenty-five percent of dogs with chocolate poisoning recover within two days, however even with treatment, one in one hundred dogs with chocolate poisoning never recover.

How long does it take to get chocolate out of a dog's system?

It can take up to three days for chocolate to get out of a dog's system, but if your dog is not showing any signs of chocolate toxicity after 24 hours then it is unlikely that any will develop.

Does chocolate have long-term effects on dogs?

Long-term effects are unlikely to occur and most dogs make a full recovery after becoming unwell from eating chocolate. In extremely rare instances, dogs may develop long-term secondary effects from serious complications, such as brain damage caused by prolonged seizures.

How soon will a dog show signs of chocolate poisoning?

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning will usually show within six to 12 hours, but could appear within one hour. If you know your dog has eaten chocolate, act immediately and don't wait for the signs to appear. We always recommend seeking veterinary advice if you have any concerns about the health of your pets.

How do I stop my dog from being sick after eating chocolate?

If the dog is vomiting already, then anti-vomiting drugs may need to be given first, especially if the chocolate was consumed many hours previously. The most commonly used drugs of this type are called metoclopramide, butorphanol and acepromazine.

Why does my dog feel bloated after eating chocolate?

The element in chocolate that is toxic to pets is a caffeine-like chemical called theobromine. Theobromine is especially toxic to dogs because they cannot metabolize it as effectively or as quickly as human beings do. Mild chocolate toxicity can cause vomiting, diarrhea, bloating and restlessness.

Should I make my dog throw up if he ate chocolate?

If you can't get to your vet's office and can't get ahold of any vet for advice, you can still intervene to try to save your dog. Inducing vomiting is likely the best course of action, again depending on how much chocolate your dog ate. You can induce vomiting by feeding your dog hydrogen peroxide.

What home remedy can I give my dog for chocolate?

Another home remedy you can try is to offer your dog activated charcoal. This can help bind to the toxins in the stomach and prevent them from being absorbed into the bloodstream. Again, it's crucial to consult with your vet before administering any home remedies to ensure it's appropriate for your dog's situation.

Why does my dog cry after eating chocolate?

As you may already know, chocolate is toxic to dogs. The amount of chocolate she ate is not likely to be fatal, but it can cause symptoms like a fast heart rate, hyperactivity, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. So, the whining and pacing are side effects of the chocolate.

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