Can Dogs Eat Chocolate
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Do you know why dogs shouldn't eat chocolate? Many dog owners are aware of this. Make sure you know what to do if your dog consumes chocolate since a chocolate button that is spilt on the floor might disappear in an instant.
We all enjoy indulging in a rich chocolate bar on a regular basis, and as a dog-loving country, we are committed to sharing our favourite flavours and experiences with our furry companions. However, as is especially true with chocolate, there may be too much of a good thing. You might be surprised to hear that dogs can die from eating chocolate since it is extremely deadly. If your dog consumes even a tiny amount, you should get veterinary treatment right immediately.
Because we at WagMart are concerned about your dog's wellbeing, we've put together this guide to provide you with all the information you need to know about chocolate poisoning in dogs and what to do if your dog consumes chocolate.
Can dogs eat chocolate?
No, chocolate is off limits to dogs. Chocolate is bad for all dogs, even if not all of them are as likely to become sick from eating it. Giving your dog a portion of your Easter egg as a reward is likely to have the opposite impact of what you have in mind and may result in expensive veterinary care.
Why is chocolate bad for dogs?
Dogs cannot naturally metabolise theobromine, a chemical found in chocolate, but humans can. As a result, consuming any meal that contains it causes theobromine to accumulate and may become poisonous.
Are there certain types of chocolate which are worse than others?
Different chocolates have varying amounts of theobromine. Milk and white chocolate have the lowest amounts, while dark, cooking, and cocoa chocolate have the most. A 19-kg dog may be poisoned by less than an ounce of dark chocolate, so if you think your dog may have had even a tiny quantity, get them care from a veterinarian immediately.
Since each animal has a unique metabolic rate, it is unfortunately impossible to pinpoint the precise quantity of chocolate that a dog must eat in order to run the danger of developing a serious sickness.
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs
If you think your dog may have eaten chocolate, watch them carefully over the following 24 hours because that's when symptoms may probably appear. Here are a few symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs that you should be aware of:
- Restlessness.
- Increased rate of breathing.
- Increased heart rate.
- Frequent urination.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhoea.
- Seizures.
It's possible that your dog throws up the chocolate really fast and doesn't develop more severe symptoms. But if you know how much and what kind of chocolate has been eaten, you should speak with a veterinarian for more guidance.
What to do if your dog eats chocolate
You may not even be aware that your pet has taken the Easter egg cache until they begin to show symptoms. The following actions should be taken as soon as possible if you see your dog eating chocolate or believe they have:
1. Inform a veterinarian of the information as soon as possible.
Tell your veterinarian all you know as soon as you find out that your dog has consumed chocolate. If at all possible, keep the chocolate's box or wrapper handy so you can give them further information and, perhaps, find out how much chocolate your dog got their hands on. Additionally, provide your veterinarian with a ballpark estimate of your dog's weight and size; if you're calling their usual veterinarian, they should already have this information on file. These specifics will provide an indication of the potential level of danger posed by chocolate poisoning.
2. Take them to the veterinarian for care.
Get your veterinarian there as soon as you can after notifying them that you are expecting. In an attempt to get the poisonous substance out of their system before it has a chance to accumulate, they could induce vomiting if it has been two hours or less since they had the chocolate. Never force vomiting on your own at home without a skilled veterinarian's clear consent. Your veterinarian will start a course of reactive therapies if your dog starts displaying any of the symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs. If your dog is exhibiting seizures, these treatments may include intravenous fluids and antiarrhythmic medications.
The best course of action in every situation when your dog consumes chocolate is to get in touch with your veterinarian right away. The sooner you can get your pet to visit a veterinarian, the better, since this will increase the likelihood that they won't suffer from long-term, severe, or even deadly problems.
Alternatives to chocolate for dogs
There are still many of ways to spoil your dog even if they are unable to consume chocolate! Use only approved, safe, and properly designed dog treats that pose no health risks. You can be certain that your dog will prefer a few hours of gnawing on a delicious bone or a fast and filling dip into the dog biscuit bag, even though a person would enjoy a good slice of chocolate cake. There are several dog treats that are not only delicious for your dog but also offer various health advantages, such as extra nutrition and dental care.
Avoid giving your dog chocolate on Easter or Christmas; it can wind up being a more dramatic family event than you had planned! To properly care for your dog, always use safe, professionally made treats.