Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs

Signs of chocolate poisoning in dogs usually appear 6 to 12 hours after eating, and some may last for 72 hours. They usually include vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, and frequent urination. , elevated body temperature, elevated or abnormal heart rate, epileptic seizures, etc. Ingestion of too much may also lead to death.

Causes of dog poisoning after eating chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine. These two substances will increase the dog’s heart rate, relax muscles, and stimulate the dog’s nerves. system. Humans can metabolize these substances faster than dogs, and can metabolize theobromine and caffeine from the body more efficiently, so they will not feel uncomfortable, but dogs cannot. Dogs that consume about 100 to 150 mg of theobromine per kilogram of body weight will have severe reactions. Even if the dose is not too high, the dog still needs to receive first aid and treatment from a veterinarian. The severity of dog poisoning depends on the type and amount of chocolate and the dog's weight.

What to do if a dog is poisoned after eating chocolate

1. Check the types of chocolate

There are many types and brands of chocolate, but different types of chocolate contain different dosages that are harmful to dogs Hazardous ingredients. Baker's chocolate (a kind of Italian chocolate) is the most toxic chocolate to dogs. Milk chocolate and white chocolate are mixed with other raw materials, so their theobromine and caffeine content are not high, and they are relatively less toxic. Semisweet and dark chocolate fall somewhere in the middle. If we know what kind of chocolate the dog has eaten and how much it has eaten, we can help the doctor make a judgment first and help the dog's treatment.

2. Carry the packaging bag to the hospital

The owner can collect the packaging bags of chocolates that the dog eats, or collect the labels with specifications and content, and bring them with them when sending the dog to the hospital. , which is beneficial to the doctor’s examination. Doctors can use the packaging paper to deduce whether this product contains other dangerous ingredients, such as xylitol, which are also very harmful to dogs’ health.

3. Take your dog to the doctor immediately

After discovering that your dog has eaten chocolate, the best way is to see a veterinarian immediately. Doctors have experience in dealing with this acute illness, so do not try Induce vomiting in your dog yourself, as improper operation can delay the dog's treatment or cause other complications.