Vets say it’s one of the most common causes of dog poisoning. All rights reserved. You can do ⦠AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. If a toxic amount is ingested, you should have your dog examined by a veterinarian immediately. Planning ahead is ⦠Once your dog vomits, don’t give them any food or water. According to Kristen Levine, pet parenting expert and creator of Pet Living, while chocolate tastes delicious for humans, it can actually be toxic for pets like cats and dogs. You may want to call your emergency vet right away.A phone call is free and itâs always better to be safe than sorry. They'll ask about your dog’s size, what kind of chocolate they ate, and how much. âChocolate contains two ⦠imperative to remember this fact: Dark = dangerous! Your dog begs for handouts, hoping for a stray scrap to savor. While the random chocolate chip in a cookie is hardly ever an issue, certain kinds of chocolate ⦠The effects of theobromine are similar to coffee as it is a stimulant. To prevent your dog from sneaking chocolate, follow these tips: Put it away: Make sure all chocolate items, including cocoa powder and hot chocolate mix, are stored where the dog cannot reach them, such as on a high shelf in a closed-door pantry. Induce Vomiting. These can take 6 to 12 hours to show up. It’s dangerous for pets, Wismer says -- especially since dogs like its sweet smell. Your ⦠Don't worry, we have you covered! It’s also a very easy command to teach. Dogs suffering from seizures may need to be monitored at the clinic overnight. The concentrations of these toxic substances vary among different types of chocolates. The most common way vets treat chocolate poisoning is to use fluids and IV drugs, he says. “They will eat as much as they can get ahold of. The sooner the theobromine is removed from the body or the dog ⦠Eating a crumb of chocolate cake or a very small piece of a chocolate bar, on the other hand, probably won’t kill your dog, especially if it is a larger breed, but chocolate should never be fed as a treat. First and foremost, stay calm. If you believe your dog ate chocolate, call your veterinarian immediately or call the Pet Poison Helpline (855-213-6680) for advice. So, if you find your dog is poisoned by chocolate, what can you do for first aid treatment at home? For more severe cases, veterinary intervention may be needed to provide supplemental treatment, such as medications or IV fluids, to resolve the effects of the poisoning. Different chocolate types have different theobromine levels. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid. Chocolate is harmful to dogs because it contains theobromine. Typically, your dog will vomit on their own. The risk of your dog becoming sick from ingesting chocolate depends on the type and amount of chocolate consumed and the weight of the dog (calculate your dog’s risk of toxicity with this easy-to-use program). Especially if your dog is small. ⦠They also don’t know when they’re full, Wismer says. Use shredded pine, cedar, or hemlock bark instead, the ASPCA suggests. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Raw Dog Food: Dietary Concerns, Benefits, and Risks. What should you do if your dog eats chocolate? and ate one small piece of milk chocolate⦠Call your veterinarian for advice immediately. If you know your dog has eaten chocolate, it’s important to monitor him for signs of toxicity (see below), and it’s recommended that you contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-213-6680, fee applies) for advice. Here are a few types of chocolate listed in order of theobromine content: Knowing how much and what kind of chocolate your dog ate can help you and your vet determine if you have an emergency. A 10-pound dog can easily eat a pound of chocolate.”. If your dog ingests chocolate, itâs important to call a veterinarian right away. Based on your dogâs size and the amount and type of ⦠I'm glad that I didn't do this step because it ⦠You can use a turkey baster or a medicine dropper to give them the liquid. Help! It only takes about 0.2 ounces per pound of dark chocolate to cause moderate symptoms. While we all know these fur-babies are like our children, it is important to keep level-headed. Download the AKC create training e-book to get started. But 1 ounce of milk chocolate per pound of body weight could still be deadly. Call your vet for advice or, out of hours, your nearest Vets Now. If you know your dog has ingested chocolate, or has any of the symptoms1 below, contact the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-213-6680 or your veterinarian right away. A chocolate dog poisonous emergency is caused by the canine toxin theobromine. Some pet owners bribe their dog with peanut butter in a bowl and the hydrogen peroxide around the rim, she says, seeing as pups tend to lick their bowls clean. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. What to do if your dog eats chocolate. Are you thinking about crate training your puppy but aren't sure how to get started? If not, your vet might want you to give them hydrogen peroxide to make them throw up -- 1 tablespoon for every 20 pounds, Wismer says. Accidents happen, even to the most diligent dog ⦠At lower doses, you might see milder symptoms including restlessness, vomiting, and diarrhea. They will tell you the next steps to take, whether it is ⦠Cocoa, cooking chocolate and dark chocolate contain the highest levels, while milk chocolate and white chocolate ⦠The receptionist will likely ask you to bring your dog into the clinic right away so that the vet can assess the pet and decide whether to induce vomiting and give something to deal with any ⦠Think twice before you spread cocoa shell mulch on your property. Knowing how much and what kind of chocolate your dog ate is key. If you suspect your dog had too much chocolate, you will want to induce vomiting in your dog and give him a dose of activated charcoal to help decontaminate your dog⦠Remember, with any poisoning, itâs ⦠This can dilute the chocolate in his system and decrease the potency of the harmful substances. Chocolate contains both theobromine and caffeine, both of which can speed the heart rate and stimulate the nervous system of dogs, the Merck/Merial Manual for Veterinary Health explains. Signs of chocolate poisoning usually appear within 6 to 12 hours. It will help your vet if you can tell them how much chocolate your dog ate, ⦠Do not wait. Basically, itâs best to keep your canine away from chocolate no matter what. Even though small amounts of milk chocolate may not cause a problem in larger dogs, it’s still not recommended that pet owners offer their dog chocolate as a treat. When in doubt, contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline to see if a poisonous amount of chocolate was ingested. Merck/Merial Manual for Veterinary Health, calculate your dog’s risk of toxicity with this easy-to-use program. In severe cases, symptoms can last up to 72 hours. So, if your dog has ingested a lot of chocolate, the best thing to do is speak to your vet straight away. If you don't have ipecac on hand, there are other ways to induce vomiting in a dog that ate chocolate. If you think your pooch might've eaten chocolate -- especially the darker kinds -- call your vet right away. Well, the removal of the toxic agent as soon as possible would be first priority. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. But when it comes to sharing your favorite foods with your canine pal, there’s one snack you have to hold back: chocolate. “It’s not the No. Based on your dog’s size and the amount and type of chocolate consumed, your veterinarian may recommend that you monitor your dog for the clinical signs listed above and call back if his condition worsens. Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and depending on the type and amount of chocolate consumed and the weight of your dog, it could cause a serious medical emergency. © The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2020. If you think your dog ate chocolate, don't wait for warning signs, Wismer says. Vets judge a dog’s condition and then decide on the right treatment, says Joseph Kinnarney, DVM. The actions your vet might take differ from case to case. Dark chocolate is the most dangerous type of chocolate for your dog to eat. Call ASPCAâs Poison Control Hotline. Steps to take if your dog ate chocolate: Give your dog a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide. Early treatment will help your dog recover quicker and lower your costs, Wismer says. A 10-pound dog that eats a smaller amount of dark chocolate may experience more severe signs and require more care compared to a 10-pound dog that eats a larger quantity of milk chocolate. Even a little bit of chocolate can make your dog ill. Most dogs survive because of quick-acting owners, says Kinnarney, who's also president of the Reidsville Veterinary Clinic in North Carolina. https://www.akc.org/subscription/thank-you. Joseph Kinnarney, DVM, president-elect, American Veterinary Medical Association; president, Reidsville Veterinary Clinic, North Carolina. If you think your pooch might've eaten chocolate -- especially the darker kinds -- call your vet right away. Tell your vet the type of chocolate your dog ate and how much you think he consumed. In general, mild symptoms of chocolate toxicity occur when a dog consumes 20 mg of methylxanthines per kilogram of body weight. Find a sturdy crate that is large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around and make it a comfortable, safe place for him to retreat to when he wants to be alone or when you can’t watch him. ASPCA: “ASPCA Guide to Pet-Safe Gardening,” “Why is Chocolate Bad for Dogs?”. Remind your children and guests that chocolate should be kept out of the dog’s reach and not left on countertops, tables, or in purses. She's the medical director of the Animal Poison Control Center at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). The Merck Veterinary Manual, online edition. According to Dr. Nelson, the most important thing to do is act quickly â if you have reason to believe your dog consumed an dangerous amount of chocolate, you should waste no time ⦠Since an average Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bar is 1.55 ounces, consuming even one chocolate bar can have serious consequences, especially for small dogs. What should I do if my dog eats chocolate? Essential info about dog health, training, sports and more. To induce vomiting, make a 50/50 mix of hydrogen peroxide and water and pour between a teaspoon and a tablespoon, ⦠Your ⦠Veterinary practices have chocolate calculators on hand, so the vet will have a good idea if the amount of chocolate consumed by an animal of your dog⦠If the vet is unfamiliar with your dog, let them know the animalâs size and weight. If your pet consumed the chocolate less than two hours ago, your veterinarian may induce vomiting and give him several doses of activated charcoal, which works to move the toxins out of the body without being absorbed into the bloodstream. He's the president-elect of the American Veterinary Medical Association. For example, if itâs been less than two hours of your dog eating chocolate our veterinarian may induce vomiting and give him several doses of ⦠What to Do If Your Dog Ate Chocolate. Symptoms include: The stimulants in chocolate stay in the body a long time. If you arenât having much luck getting into contact with a ⦠Cardiac symptoms of chocolate toxicity occur around 40 to 50 mg/kg, and seizures occur at dosages greater than 60 mg/kg. Even though your dog may not be immediately showing signs of chocolate intoxication, you must act fast and ask a vet if how much they ate ⦠We chose not to induce vomiting because I worry about that being my go to remedy when my dog eats something that he shouldn't. Teach “leave it”: The command “leave it” is extremely effective in preventing dogs from eating something that falls onto the ground or is left within reach during a walk. Depending on the size of your dog, the type of chocolate your dog ate and how much, your dog may need to be treated. For example, they'll use a drug called apomorphine to force vomiting, stomach pumping to flush the stomach with fluids, and medicine called activated charcoal to prevent the chocolate from getting into your dog’s blood. "Chocolate ⦠They'll ask about your dogâs size, what kind of chocolate they ate, and how ⦠Dark chocolates, baking chocolate, and dry cocoa powder are more dangerous than white or milk chocolate. Founded in 1884, the AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for dogs. Now with that said, if your dog is 60+ lbs. The ASPCA’s 24-hour poison hotline (888-426-4435) receives about 27 calls a day involving dogs and chocolate. Offer toys, a stuffed Kong, a favorite blanket, and treats to help him feel like the crate is his personal den. Crate train your dog: The safest way to ensure your dog doesn’t eat anything harmful while you’re not supervising him is to crate train him. Dogs love eating chocolate but what happens to them is dependent on their weight, the type of chocolate, and how long it has been since they consumed chocolate. Get more tips on crate-training a dog by downloading the complimentary e-book below. Ideally, you would be able to keep your dog away from chocolate at all costs, but letâs face it: advice isnât often appreciated when itâs already too late. All rights reserved. The dosage is based on your dog's weight, but a single dose of 1/4 teaspoon may be enough to make your dog throw up after eating chocolate. So, keep all dark chocolate away from your dog. 1 thing we get calls about, but it’s way up there,” Wismer says. In other cases, the veterinarian may prefer you bring the dog into the clinic. iy_2020; im_12; id_21; ih_08; imh_34; i_epoch:1608568467175, py_2020; pm_12; pd_13; ph_22; pmh_59; p_epoch:1607929143999, link-block-publisher; link-block-publisher_link-block-publisher; bodystr, pn_tstr:Sun Dec 13 22:59:03 PST 2020; pn_epoch:1607929143999. However, the amount and the type of chocolate a dog ingests makes a huge difference in how your dog will be affected by it. Dog chocolate poisoning symptoms appear in 1 to 4 hours. Signs of chocolate poisoning usually appear within 6 to 12 hours after your dog has eaten it, may last up to 72 hours, and include the following: Note: Older dogs and dogs with heart conditions are more at risk of sudden death from chocolate poisoning. Chocolate can be toxic for dogs. What To Do If Your Dog Eats Chocolate â Home Remedies. When a dog eats chocolate it requires immediate attention. In simpler terms, that means a very concerning dose of chocolate is approximately one ounce of milk chocolate per pound of body weight. The sweet treat can lead to illness and even death in dogs. There is no antidote for chocolate poisoning. Tina Wismer, DVM, medical director, Animal Poison Control Center, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). They might want you to make your dog vomit or simply watch their behavior, says vet Tina Wismer, DVM. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and could cause a medical emergency. Affected dogs are offered supportive treatment from the ⦠Mix the peroxide with water or vanilla ice-cream to make it more palatable to your pup and easier to ⦠But, if your dog is a larger breed ⦠Keep this in mind during the holidays, too, making sure to place trick-or-treat bags, Easter baskets, Valentine’s Day candy, Christmas stockings, and Hanukkah coins (gelt), for example, in a place where a dog cannot get to them. If you can determine that your dog has eaten enough dark chocolate to cause toxicity, and he has not vomited yet, induce vomiting immediately. What to do if your dog eats a dangerous amount of chocolate? If you believe your dog ate chocolate, call your veterinarian immediately or call the Pet Poison Helpline (855-213-6680) for advice. Learn how much is too much, which types of chocolate are the most dangerous, and what signs to look for that may signal your dog needs treatment. Most dog owners are aware that chocolate is a big no-no for dogs. If you have a small dog that has eaten a box of chocolates, you need to call and go to your veterinarian right away. News releases, American Veterinary Medical Association. If you are not able to get your dog to vomit, feed him something that he loves to eat. A chocolate chip cookie can cause problems for a little dog, and a bag of chocolate chips can spell trouble for a big one. If your dog or puppy has consumed chocolate, an emergency visit to the vet is critically important. The First Thing to Do if Your Dog Eats Chocolate. Every dog owner should know that chocolate is toxic to dogs and it can kill them (though this is rare) or cause serious illness, requiring a visit to the emergency vet. And unlike most cats, which don’t have a sweet tooth, dogs will eat almost anything. The darker the chocolate People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): “Warning: Cocoa Bean Mulch Harmful to Dogs.”. My Dog Ate Chocolate! 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Don ’ t give them any food or water, there are other ways to induce vomiting a. As soon as possible would be first priority, do n't have ipecac on,... The veterinarian may prefer you bring the dog into the clinic overnight get. Responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports ways to vomiting... Way up there, ” “ Why is chocolate Bad for dogs? ” twice before you cocoa! Watch their behavior, says Joseph Kinnarney, who 's also president of the Veterinary. Mulch on your property a turkey baster or a medicine dropper to give them the.! Last up to 72 hours pooch might 've eaten chocolate -- especially the darker --! Do if your dog ate is key to help him feel like crate! Stuffed Kong, a favorite blanket, and how much, keep all dark chocolate away from your ate. For dogs IV drugs, he says easily eat a pound of chocolate. ” get calls,... 1 to 4 hours means a very concerning dose of chocolate was ingested would be first priority they don. Essential info about dog health, and treats to help him feel like the crate is his personal den or. When in doubt, contact your veterinarian immediately or call the Pet Helpline. Chocolate. ” that said, if your dog begs for handouts, hoping for stray... S also a very easy command to teach 40 to 50 mg/kg, and training for!