I love chocolate and as it turns out so does your dog. I am sure of this without meeting your dog because I have now spent many a dinner-interrupted evening removing said chocolate from the stomachs of a huge variety of breeds. Chocolate, as it turns out, does not agree with man's best friend. Unfortunatly, toxic levels are reached easily, especially if your little luv happens to eat baking chocolate. (And the answer is...yes, he most certainly will do that.) Labradors, the worst of the offenders are by far the most impressive. A bit like Hoover vacuum cleaners wearing fur, they simply inhale food. Once, my very large Lab named Clark Kent ate an entire baking bowl of Halloween chocolate and when I forced him to vomit it up, the wrappers were still intact. He injested over 40 "mini bars" in less than 3 minutes. I still say that that must be some kind of record!
Facts and Tips
1.Chocolate is directly toxic because of the theobromine
2.High doses can cause: vomiting,diarrhea,hyperactivity,seizures,racing and abnormal heart rhythms.
3.Toxic doses of theobromine are 9 mg per pound of dog for mild signs, up to 18 mg per pound of dog for severe signs. Milk chocolate contains 44 mg / ounce of theobromine while semisweet chocolate contains 150 mg per ounce, and baking chocolate contains 390 mg per ounce.
4. If you have watched your dog eat the chocolate or you are sure it was within the last 15 minutes, you can induce vomiting at home with small amounts of hydrogen peroxide.
5. If more time has passed, your dog needs the vet immediately.
Had to be the first of the family (even though we're cat people SSSST !!) to sign on. Congrats Pat.
ReplyDeletehey Pat- I would mention not to forget- if they induce vomiting at home- if it's a goofy enough dog- they have to remove the vomit FAST before the dog re-inhales it. Yes, personal experience.
ReplyDelete-Doc Kate ;)