Holiday Oops

   Happy Holidays everyone.  Tis the season for good cheer warm greetings and lots of traditional baking.  I for one know that all three of my chihuahuas are going to be hovering like crazy when I make my traditional chocolate peanut butter bars, chocolate peanut butter ritz cookies and whatever floats my boat.  Throughout the years I have been pretty lucky with no accidents of chocolate toxin ingestion but I have seen a good amount come into the clinic on emergency. Most of the time the owners have been around when the little or big thief or thieves have done the dirty deed and with quick action they brought them to the clinic. We induce vomiting give charcoal to absorb remaining toxins and send home a bland diet.  Only a handful of times we have had patients come after a lengthy time of consumption due to owners being gone. Of course a more intense involved treatment is due involving bloodwork, IV Catheter IV fluids and injections (usually anti-nausea) monitoring and what else the Dr. orders. Here are a few tips on the levels and dangers of chocolate. 

White chocolate

Of the chocolates listed here, white chocolate has the lowest levels of theobromine, but that doesn’t mean your dog is in the clear, sugar in white chocolate could be harmful, too. 

Milk chocolate

Milk chocolate is one of the most common candies found in a household . While it does contain theobromine, the levels are lower than in dark and baking chocolate.  Depending on amount consumed gastro indigestion is most common. 

Dark chocolate

Both dark chocolate and baking chocolate can be harmful to dogs in much smaller amounts than milk or white chocolate. The symptoms can be severe, fast and irregular heartbeats are likely to occur. Additional issues include tremors, seizures, and possibly death

Baking chocolate

Baking chocolate can cause the most harm to dogs due to its levels of theobromine. Additional problems can occur if the baking chocolate was consumed in the form of baked goods such as cakes or brownies.

For dogs:Chocolate contains theobromine, which is an alkaloid chemical like caffeine. 

For cats: Although sugar, fat, and xylitol (a sugar substitute) aren’t good for cats either, chocolate contains two ingredients that pose a threat to an animal’s health: caffeine and theobromine

Side effects include

 Vomiting

Diarrhea,

Nausea

Increased heart rate

Excessive thirst

Excessive Urination

Hyperactivity

Restlessness

Increased body temperature

Rapid breathing or panting

Muscle tremors or twitching

Low blood pressure

SeizuresComa

Quick Tip:Chocolate Toxicity Calculator:https://www.forresthillvet.co.nz › You+amp+Your+Pet › Chocolate+Toxici…

Did you know that chocolate is toxic to dogs? This calculator will provide you with basic information on the likely side effects of chocolate ingestion in dogs.

Please enter your dog’s weight (in kilograms), the type of chocolate, and the amount of chocolate (in grams).The calculator will then provide you with the anticipated symptoms your pet may experience. Remember, you should always contact a vet for specific advice about your pet. This tool is a general guide only. It is not intended to be used as a diagnostic tool or a substitute for specific veterinary advice

This calculator does not account for conditions other than theobromine toxicity. Pets can develop other life-threatening conditions from chocolate ingestion, including (but not limited to) gastrointestinal foreign bodies(from eating wrappers), pancreatitis and other gastrointestinal conditions.

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     Happy baking and keep your fur babies safe!

Thanks For Reading 

Heidi Parker