Signs of Chocolate Toxicity

Signs of chocolate toxicity are vomiting and diarrhea. Your dog will breathe quickly, and his heart will race. If he has eaten a high enough dose of chocolate, he will start convulsing, and he may die.



So, how much is too much? Dark cooking chocolate has more toxic ingredients than either milk chocolate or white chocolate, and unsweetened baking chocolate has most of all. Eight ounces of milk chocolate is enough to potentially kill a 10-pound dog.



If Your Dog Eats Chocolate



If you suspect your dog has stolen some chocolate, give your veterinarian a call with information on your dog’s body weight, the quantity of chocolate that is missing, and what type of chocolate it is. She will be able to work out how much caffeine and theobromine has been eaten, and whether or not your dog is likely to become sick. Treatment is basically supportive until your dog recovers – intravenous fluids, activated charcoal and muscle relaxants to control any tremors or seizures.



Alternate Treats



There are some treats that are safe to give your dog at Easter. Carob is not at all dangerous to dogs, and they seem to enjoy it. Alternatively, whip up a batch of home made dog biscuits for him. There are many recipes on the net for delicious biscuits that contain liver and other meat products, and your dog will love them.  If you’re pressed for time, pick up a dog treat from the supermarket on your way home from work – he’ll enjoy that too.



Sharing your chocolate with your dog just is not worth the risk to his health. This is one time when it’s a good idea to keep all your chocolate to yourself!

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