We've all
heard it, "Don't give your dog chocolate it will kill him".
We'll how true is it you're probably wondering. Do I have to
rush him to an emergency vet if he ate one of my M&M's?
Chocolate contains theobromine that is toxic to dogs
in sufficient quantities. This is a xanthine compound in the
same family of caffeine, and theophylline.
Toxic
Levels
The good
news is that it takes, on average, a fairly large amount of
theobromine 100-150 mg/kg to cause a toxic reaction.
Although there are variables to consider like the individual
sensitivity, animal size and chocolate concentration.
The
following table lists the amount of theobromine in different
chocolates and the amount needed to harm your pet. Doses below
those listed may cause some symptoms but are not likely to be
very harmful.
|
Type
of Chocolate |
Theobromine Concentration |
Toxic amount per pound body wt. |
Amt
to harm a 20 pound dog |
Amt
to harm a 50 pound dog |
|
Milk
Chocolate |
44
mg/ oz |
1 oz
per pound |
20
oz |
50oz |
|
Semi-Sweet |
150
mg/oz |
1 oz
per 3 pounds |
7 oz
|
17
oz |
|
Baker’s Dark |
390
mg/oz |
1
ounce per 9 pound |
2 oz |
5 oz |
Clinical Signs
Xanthines
affect the nervous system, cardiovascular system and peripheral
nerves. It has a diuretic effect as well. Clinical signs:
-
Hyper
excitability
-
Hyper
irritability
-
Increased
heart rate
-
Restlessness
-
Increased
urination
-
Muscle tremors
-
Vomiting
-
Diarrhea
Treatment
Once absorbed,
theobromine takes about 30 hours to be eliminated from the body. If
we know that the pet has ingested a significant amount of the toxin
based on the chart above then we will often attempt to induce
vomiting, pump the stomach and administer activated charcoal to help
absorb the toxin in the gastrointestinal tract.
There is no
specific antidote for this poisoning. However, supportive therapy
including intravenous fluids, oxygen therapy, sedation and possibly
anticonvulsants might be indicated if neurological signs are present
and need to be controlled.
Milk chocolate
will often cause diarrhea 12-24 hours after ingestion. This can be
treated symptomatically (fluids, etc..) to prevent dehydration.
If you suspect
your pet has ingested chocolate contact your Vet immediately! They
can help you determine the proper treatment for your pet.
|
