Why chocolate is a big no, no!
Sharing with your dog, for some, is second nature. When those puppy dog eyes look up at you and your heart starts to melt, you end up telling yourself, ‘‘A little bit won’t hurt.’’
But in this case, a little bit could do a lot of damage.
Chocolate is TOXIC for dogs.
While it is rarely fatal, if ingested it can cause significant illness.
WHY IS CHOCOLATE TOXIC FOR DOGS?
Chocolate contains a chemical called Theobromine. Dogs are sensitive to theobromine and are unable to metabolise this chemical. Theobromine is the main toxin in chocolate and is very similar to caffeine.
HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?
Two main factors to consider:
How big is your dog?
How much chocolate have they eaten?
Dark Chocolate - more than 0.13 ounces per pound of body weight may cause chocolate poisoning in dogs.
Milk Chocolate - more than half an ounce per pound of body weight may cause chocolate poisoning in dogs.
Sugar - Free Chocolate - DOUBLE DANGER! It contains xylitol, which is an artificial sweetener that is especially poisonous to dogs.
WHAT SYMPTOMS SHOULD YOU BE AWARE OF?
Below are just a few signs to look out for:
Vomiting
Upset tummy
Twitching
Breathing faster than normal
Drinking more water than normal
Dribbling
Not walking in a straight line
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY DOG EATS CHOCOLATE?
Call your vet straight away!
When calling your vet, try and have this information at hand, as it will your vet determine if your dog has consumed a toxic amount:
How much they have eaten.
The type of chocolate. (ie. Dark, milk, plain, white etc)
Keep any packaging on you if more information is needed.
If your dog shows signs of being very unwell, take your dog straight to the vet.
HOW TO STOP MY DOGS FROM EATING CHOCOLATE?
Keep out of reach and/or locked away.
When eating chocolate, don’t leave it where your dog can get their paws on it.
Disclaimer - Please make sure to do your own research and contact your vet if you have any concerns.
