Dog Eats Chocolate - Deadly Potential
Byron's Dog Blog
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Consult a vet immediately, if your companion animal ingests anything you think is poisonous, or if you are not sure. This guide is for emergencies, where access to a vet is impossible or will take a very long time. You are responsible for your companion animal and you follow this guide with full liability for your actions.
As you may know, chocolate can be fatally dangerous to dogs. But no matter how many eyes you have in the back of your head, your furry pals are going to eat all kinds of junk from the ground, and chocolate is definitely on their list.
If you're reading this because your dog just ate some chocolate, I'll cut to the chase.
You need to make him sick right now, so he can throw up the chocolate.
Be Extremely Careful!
You may find lots of articles on this subject, as I did last week, when Byron ate a chunk of very dark chocolate, which is the most dangerous kind.
In his case, with him weighing around 20kg / 44lbs, two teaspoons (NOT tablespoons!) of hydrogen peroxide (not more than 3% concentrate) did the job in a few minutes. He barfed his guts out. It was hard to watch. But out came the chocolate and it was all over in 10 minutes.
Some guides you will find mention anything from half a teaspoon to two teaspoons per 5lb. Too vague for me, especially given that too much can be just as dangerous as the chocolate. I read a few more articles and came to the conclusion that two teaspoons was enough.
You need to open his mouth without any fuss and keep it there while you pour. Here's how I do it:
1. Stand with one leg either side of his body.
2. Carefully sit down on his back, above his back legs, to make him sit.
3. Lift his chin with one hand, so his head is pointed up at mine.
4. Press my finger and thumb firmly into the corners of his mouth to make him open his mouth.
5. Pour in the peroxide mixture directly down his throat, taking care not to splash it in his eyes.
6. Close his mouth and keep his head pointing up at me, so he doesn't spit out the fluid.
7. Gently stroke his throat to encourage swallowing.
Why Is Chocolate Dangerous?
Chocolate is toxic for us, too. You may not have known that. But we have the ability to expel the toxic component (theobromine) before it causes damage to us. Dogs (and some other animals) don't have that ability, so the toxic theobromine just stays in their bodies, becoming more and more poisonous, until the worst happens.
The darker the chocolate, the more caffeine and theobromine are likely to be present, increasing the danger and urgency. The actual amount of theobromine will vary from one chocolate to another, so you can't waste time assuming it's fine. Always assume it's not fine.
Symptoms Of Poisoning
Toxic shock and poisoning can manifest in many ways, and it can be difficult to tell exactly what is going on. Even if you are sure your dog hasn't eaten chocolate recently, he may have come into contact with another poison by another means. Some poisonous things can take longer to cause trouble, so it could even have been a few hours ago.
Whatever the case, here are some symptoms you should take very seriously.
Do not delay in contacting an emergency vet. Seconds can save lives.
This is not an exhaustive list. Any unusual behavior should be treated as an emergency.
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea
* High body temperature
* Stiffness
* Abnormal reflexes
* Low blood pressure
* Hyperventilation / rapid breathing
* Rapid pulse
* Seizures
* In advanced poisoning cases, even heart attack, body limpness, coma, foaming at the mouth.
Hydrogen peroxide can be found in pharmacies at 3% concentration. If you can only find something stronger, dilute it with a carefully measured amount of distilled water, which you can also find in a pharmacy (or at a gas station - it's also sold for topping up car batteries).
If you know something that can make this article better, please leave a comment and I will research it and add in my findings. Thank you!
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Public Comments
Salt water works too