The Truth About Dog Chocolate

Remember that some variety packs of chocolates may contain other dangerous ingredients such as raisins or xylitol, so keep an eye out for these too. How Can I Keep My Pet Safe From Chocolate Poisoning? It also gives the chocolate a nice shine and the chocolate hardens faster than using a silicone mold. Check out the wrappers or the ingredients section of a box of chocolate for more information. In order to help your veterinarian decide if your pet needs treatment, it is very useful to have certain information ready. What Information Do I Need for My Vet? You don’t need to panic when faced with a canine cocoa crisis. In some cases, a vet will need to provide oxygen and treat any seizures. In more serious cases, your vet may recommend hospitalizing your pet to provide ongoing supportive care. However, many dogs will recover quickly with the help of veterinary care. So, if you are in any doubt about whether your dog may have eaten some chocolate, it is always safest to call the nearest open veterinary clinic for advice.

For example, it can be easy to forget that stockings and Christmas presents may contain chocolate and are in easy reach of your dog’s paws when under the tree. For example, certain breeds are prone to aspiration pneumonia (a serious infection caused by inhaling vomit into the lungs) or if a dog has neurological signs, then vomiting can be dangerous. Depending on when the chocolate was eaten, your veterinarian may give an injection to make your dog vomit. The length of hospitalization will vary depending on how poorly your dog is, ranging from a day to several days in some cases. Your dog hears a noise and jumps up, runs over to the window, and starts barking at the people outside your home. Can I Give Any Treatment at Home if My Dog Has Eaten Chocolate? It is always advisable to contact your veterinary clinic first before giving any treatment at home. It’s best to call your veterinary clinic right away if you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, as quick treatment is best. Chocolate can be so poisonous to dogs-and cats, too, for that matter-that if you think your pet ate some, the best thing to do is contact an animal hospital in Jacksonville to find out what to do next.

Chocolates may be accidentally left behind after Easter egg hunts, so it is best to make sure dogs are macadamia nuts bad for dogs kept out of the area and make sure all eggs are accounted for before dogs are allowed back in. Dogs can’t metabolize these compounds as quickly or efficiently as humans can, so they can make dogs very sick. Chocolate contains two different compounds that are toxic to dogs: theobromine and caffeine. Unfortunately, chocolate contains a compound called theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Try giving your dog instead with dogs that they can easily digest such as lean proteins. Also, make sure your dog can’t get to the post before you do! It is important to make sure all chocolate foodstuffs including cocoa powder and hot chocolate are stored in sealed containers where the dog cannot reach them, like in a pantry or high cupboard. The small amount of time it takes to make sure nothing’s left where a dog can find and eat it is a small price for keeping your pet safe and healthy. Consequently, Theobromine accumulates into the body of a dog and becomes toxic. Your veterinarian will be able to calculate if your dog has eaten enough theobromine to cause a problem and guide you through what treatment, if any, is needed.

Spoil that lucky dog this Easter with his very own doggie Easter Gift Basket filled with goodies just for him. Be especially careful around events such as Christmas, Easter time, Halloween, and birthdays when there’s usually more chocolate around the house. This may prevent the more serious health problems which can develop if chocolate poisoning is left untreated. As a general rule, a small, wrapped piece of chocolate is around 0.17 ounces. A small bar of chocolate is approximately 1.4 ounces, and a large bar is usually around 7 ounces. Teaching your dog the command “leave it” can be useful in case he manages to stumble across some chocolate on the ground when out for a walk or if any is dropped in the house. Concerning dog food, you should be looking for dyes and other chemicals, according to Dr. Jane BHA, for instance, which is one of the main synthetic antioxidant preservatives used to prevent food discoloration, has been observed to cause cancer in laboratory rats at certain doses. Allergies are most common among dogs due to intake of some non-suitable food ingredients like fatty oils and nuts.