It is common knowledge that dogs should not be given chocolate. Sometimes dogs will steal a bite of chocolate from a child or sneak a piece of chocolate when their owner is not looking. Small amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset, but larger amounts of dark or milk chocolate can cause severe illness or even death. Keep reading to learn more about chocolate’s main toxin, theobromine, and why it is harmful to dogs.
What is Theobromine?
The main toxin in chocolate is theobromine and it has similar effects on the body as caffeine. It has been used medicinally in humans as a heart stimulant, diuretic, blood vessel dilator, and muscle relaxant. Dogs, however, cannot metabolize theobromine, making it very toxic and potentially deadly.
A good rule to remember is the darker or more bitter the chocolate, the more dangerous it is for dogs. Dark chocolate is the most toxic to dogs. Baking chocolate and gourmet dark chocolate contains a highly concentrated amount of theobromine. Milk chocolate is not as toxic but if enough is consumed can be potentially deadly. White chocolate only contains 0.25 mg per ounce of theobromine; therefore, it does not pose a large risk of theobromine toxicity.
Agitation, hyperactivity, and gastrointestinal upset have been noted when a dog ingests 20 mg per kilogram of body weight. Gastrointestinal upset can include drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea that will smell like chocolate. Theobromine toxicity can be fatal when your dog ingests 200 mg per kilogram of body weight.
Symptoms of Theobromine Toxicity in Dogs
The symptoms of theobromine toxicity in dogs will vary depending on the amount of chocolate that has been ingested and the size of the dog. If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, it is best to seek veterinary assistance to ensure that he does not suffer life-threatening effects from the chocolate. Symptoms can take several hours to present after your dog has eaten the chocolate. These symptoms can last for several days. Signs to watch for include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Panting
- Restlessness
- Increased thirst
- Increased heart rate
- Excessive urination
- Pancreatitis
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Heart failure
Causes of Theobromine Toxicity in Dogs
Theobromine toxicity in dogs occurs when dogs ingest chocolate. This toxin is similar to caffeine and has similar effects on the body. Dogs cannot metabolize theobromine which can cause severe illness and even death. Dogs should never be given chocolate of any kind or in any amount. All chocolate should be kept out of your dog’s reach. Have plenty of other delicious snacks including frozen treats on hand for your pup.
Dark chocolate, gourmet chocolate, and baking chocolate are the most toxic to dogs; however, milk chocolate in large doses can cause your dog to become sick. The more cocoa solids that are in the chocolate the more theobromine will be present. Children need to be made aware of the dangers of chocolate being given to their dogs.
Diagnosis of Theobromine Toxicity in Dogs
When you bring your dog in for your veterinary appointment, they will ask you about your dog’s medical history and what symptoms are occurring. If you see your dog eating chocolate, bring the packaging with you to your appointment.
Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination and a complete blood count, biochemistry panel, urinalysis, and fecal exam. This will help your veterinarian determine if your dog’s body is suffering from adverse effects from the theobromine toxins.
Treatment of Theobromine Toxicity in Dogs
Your veterinarian will set up a treatment plan with you and if the theobromine toxicity is severe enough, hospitalization with supportive care may be needed. Once absorbed by your dog’s body, theobromine can be difficult to flush out.
Induce Vomiting
If you see your dog eating chocolate, contact your veterinarian immediately. They may have you induce vomiting right away if you live a far distance from your veterinarian. Inducing vomiting must be done within two hours after your dog eats chocolate. To induce vomiting, you will administer 3% hydrogen peroxide per 10 pounds of body weight. Your dog should vomit within 10 minutes of administering the hydrogen peroxide.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal will absorb any theobromine that is still present in the gastrointestinal tract. After inducing vomiting, your veterinarian may administer an activated charcoal solution. This is a messy procedure, and your dog will not find it pleasant since they have to swallow the activated charcoal.
Supportive Care
Your dog will require supportive care including intravenous fluids to dilute the theobromine that has entered the bloodstream. The IV fluids will help flush the theobromine from the body. Anti-arrhythmic medications can be given to stop any heart arrhythmia that is occurring. To control muscle tremors and seizures, Valium may be given.
Recovery of Theobromine Toxicity in Dogs
Unless your dog eats a large amount of chocolate, especially dark chocolate, it is unlikely he will die. However, he can become very sick and require a lot of supportive care until the symptoms subside. It can take several days for symptoms to lessen. You do not want to simply hide chocolate from your dog; instead, place it in a sealed container or freezer bag and put it in an upper cabinet.
Preventing your dog from getting their paws on chocolate should be a top priority. If you have children, ensure their candies are kept in a safe location where your dog cannot reach them.
