Dogs
Most dog owners have the habit of sharing the finger foods that they are eating with their pets. This is also true in the case of chocolate which is something that most people love to indulge in. Though sharing food with your pet dog shows your love for him, sharing chocolate can actually cause problem to your canine. It can be said that eating chocolates can even be life-threatening for the dog. Though chocolate toxicity in dogs is a serious issue, most dog owners are not even aware of it. As it is something that can result in the death of the canine, pet dog owners ought to know about it in detail. Therefore, we will talk about the problem, its symptoms and the effects that it will have on the dog.
Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs - Myth or Reality?
Apart from the people who do not know that something like chocolate toxicity in dogs exist, there are also people who consider the connection between dogs and chocolate to be a myth. However, one must understand that chocolate toxicity is definitely not a myth, rather it is an issue that has to be dealt very seriously. The problem with chocolates is that they are available all over the home, especially during holiday times. To make matters worse, dogs actually love chocolates too. They love the smell of chocolates and can do anything to taste it. Moreover, if the dog tastes even a bit of chocolate, he can develop a taste for it and may crave for it too.
Chocolate - Why is it Poisonous to Dogs?
By now, most of us must be thinking that why is a thing that is loved so much by humans, is so dangerous for canines. The reason is the presence of a stimulant known as theobromine. This stimulant which naturally occurs in chocolate is found in Theobroma cocoa, a cocoa bean plant that is used in the process of making chocolate. This stimulant has a drastic effect on the central nervous system as well as on the heart of the dogs which can cause them to experience epileptic seizures and many times even death.
Many people want to know what actually determines the severity of the condition of the dog that has consumed chocolates. The answer to this question is actually quite vague. Though the level of toxicity will depend on the percent of theobromine present in the chocolate, the weight of the dog does play a significant role too. The type of chocolate consumed by the dog is also important because the level of theobromine is not the same in all chocolates. In case of white chocolate, the toxicity can be measured as 200 ounces for one pound of body weight. The least toxic of all chocolates is milk chocolate which can be weighed as one ounce for one pound of weight. Even semi sweet chocolate comes to the same level. In case of sweet cocoa, the toxicity level is 0.1 ounce, per pound of body weight. However, the most dangerous is the baking chocolate as it contains 0.1 ounce toxicity to per pound of body weight. Though the amount of chocolate consumed does matter when considering the severity of the condition, there have been cases where even a small amount of chocolate has caused dangerous consequences.
Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs - Symptoms
If pet owners accidentally feed dogs some chocolate or if dogs eat chocolate, without their knowledge, there are some symptoms that they may observe in their pet dogs. Here are some of the symptoms associated with chocolate toxicity in dogs.
As chocolate toxicity in dogs is a grave problem, knowing about what to do when such a thing happens is very important. As many dogs can do anything to eat a piece of chocolate, having certain things at home which can aid in relieving their symptoms can be helpful. All families who have dogs should be equipped with a box of hydrogen peroxide as it is one of the best ways of treating chocolate toxicity. One teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide per 10 pounds of the dog's body weight mixed with water should be fed to him, every ten minutes till he vomits the chocolate. This should be followed by administering charcoal to your dog as this helps in eliminating the toxicity completely. However, if the symptoms are becoming severe even with the hydrogen peroxide, it is extremely crucial to rush your pet dog to the nearest vet immediately. Even if the symptoms die down with the help of these treatment measures, taking your canine to the pet can ensure that he is out of danger.
As you now very well know about the effects of chocolate consumption on dogs, the best thing you can do is to prevent your dog from getting hold of any kind of chocolate. If you or any of your family members, especially kids have the habit of sharing food with the dog while eating, they should be explained why giving chocolate to the pet is not good for the canine's health. Also, the containers and shelves where chocolates are kept should be beyond the reach of your canine. Taking such simple, but necessary precautions will ensure that your dog will be safe from the dangerous side effects caused by the consumption of chocolates.
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- Is Chocolate Bad For Dogs?
Humans love chocolates. And you know who else cannot resist chocolates? Man's best friend, dogs. Give them a piece of it and they will gobble it up within a matter of few seconds. When you are eating a piece of this delicious thing in front of...
Dogs
Why Can't Dogs Eat Chocolate
Most dog owners have the habit of sharing the finger foods that they are eating with their pets. This is also true in the case of chocolate which is something that most people love to indulge in. Though sharing food with your pet dog shows your love for him, sharing chocolate can actually cause problem to your canine. It can be said that eating chocolates can even be life-threatening for the dog. Though chocolate toxicity in dogs is a serious issue, most dog owners are not even aware of it. As it is something that can result in the death of the canine, pet dog owners ought to know about it in detail. Therefore, we will talk about the problem, its symptoms and the effects that it will have on the dog.
Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs - Myth or Reality?
Apart from the people who do not know that something like chocolate toxicity in dogs exist, there are also people who consider the connection between dogs and chocolate to be a myth. However, one must understand that chocolate toxicity is definitely not a myth, rather it is an issue that has to be dealt very seriously. The problem with chocolates is that they are available all over the home, especially during holiday times. To make matters worse, dogs actually love chocolates too. They love the smell of chocolates and can do anything to taste it. Moreover, if the dog tastes even a bit of chocolate, he can develop a taste for it and may crave for it too.
Chocolate - Why is it Poisonous to Dogs?
By now, most of us must be thinking that why is a thing that is loved so much by humans, is so dangerous for canines. The reason is the presence of a stimulant known as theobromine. This stimulant which naturally occurs in chocolate is found in Theobroma cocoa, a cocoa bean plant that is used in the process of making chocolate. This stimulant has a drastic effect on the central nervous system as well as on the heart of the dogs which can cause them to experience epileptic seizures and many times even death.
Many people want to know what actually determines the severity of the condition of the dog that has consumed chocolates. The answer to this question is actually quite vague. Though the level of toxicity will depend on the percent of theobromine present in the chocolate, the weight of the dog does play a significant role too. The type of chocolate consumed by the dog is also important because the level of theobromine is not the same in all chocolates. In case of white chocolate, the toxicity can be measured as 200 ounces for one pound of body weight. The least toxic of all chocolates is milk chocolate which can be weighed as one ounce for one pound of weight. Even semi sweet chocolate comes to the same level. In case of sweet cocoa, the toxicity level is 0.1 ounce, per pound of body weight. However, the most dangerous is the baking chocolate as it contains 0.1 ounce toxicity to per pound of body weight. Though the amount of chocolate consumed does matter when considering the severity of the condition, there have been cases where even a small amount of chocolate has caused dangerous consequences.
Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs - Symptoms
If pet owners accidentally feed dogs some chocolate or if dogs eat chocolate, without their knowledge, there are some symptoms that they may observe in their pet dogs. Here are some of the symptoms associated with chocolate toxicity in dogs.
- Frequent urination in dogs
- Irritability
- Vomiting
- Canine diarrhea
- Increase in heart rate
- Restlessness
- Excitability
- Muscle tremors
As chocolate toxicity in dogs is a grave problem, knowing about what to do when such a thing happens is very important. As many dogs can do anything to eat a piece of chocolate, having certain things at home which can aid in relieving their symptoms can be helpful. All families who have dogs should be equipped with a box of hydrogen peroxide as it is one of the best ways of treating chocolate toxicity. One teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide per 10 pounds of the dog's body weight mixed with water should be fed to him, every ten minutes till he vomits the chocolate. This should be followed by administering charcoal to your dog as this helps in eliminating the toxicity completely. However, if the symptoms are becoming severe even with the hydrogen peroxide, it is extremely crucial to rush your pet dog to the nearest vet immediately. Even if the symptoms die down with the help of these treatment measures, taking your canine to the pet can ensure that he is out of danger.
As you now very well know about the effects of chocolate consumption on dogs, the best thing you can do is to prevent your dog from getting hold of any kind of chocolate. If you or any of your family members, especially kids have the habit of sharing food with the dog while eating, they should be explained why giving chocolate to the pet is not good for the canine's health. Also, the containers and shelves where chocolates are kept should be beyond the reach of your canine. Taking such simple, but necessary precautions will ensure that your dog will be safe from the dangerous side effects caused by the consumption of chocolates.
- Rescue Chocolate Is “the Sweetest Way To Save A Life”
By Julia Williams I loved the taste of rich, dark chocolate long before studies confirmed that eating a few squares a day can provide numerous health benefits. When I learned that chocolate might actually be good for me, I quit fighting the craving (I...
- Chocolate Toxicity In Pets: Symptoms & Precautions
By Linda Cole Halloween is once again at our doorstep. Trick or treaters will begin tapping on doors to collect the goodies we have to offer. Among the caramel apples, popcorn balls and tasty treats of this spooky holiday will be chocolate candy bars,...
- Foods Known To Be Harmful To Dogs
Just about all dogs love to eat, particularly those foods they notice their human companions enjoying. While it is certainly fun to feed dogs the things they relish, it is important for anyone caring for a dog to know which foods pose a real danger...
- Dog Nutrition - 12 Human Foods Your Dog Should Never Eat And The Reasons Why They Are Dangerous
In a world where there has been a pet food recall, some dog owners feel they want to make their own dog food. This is a great idea because you know exactly what is going in your dog's tummy. But do you know what foods are actually dangerous...
- Is Chocolate Bad For Dogs?
Humans love chocolates. And you know who else cannot resist chocolates? Man's best friend, dogs. Give them a piece of it and they will gobble it up within a matter of few seconds. When you are eating a piece of this delicious thing in front of...