As we approach Valentine’s Day it is important to remember that even though many of us show our love through sharing/eating chocolate, we can’t show our appreciation for our pets the same way. Chocolate can be toxic to animals in sufficient quantities. This does not mean that if your dog ate one chocolate M&M you must run to the emergency clinic. Chocolate is toxic to both cats and dogs, however cats tend to be much pickier in their food selection and tend to not favor chocolate. Dogs however find it as yummy as most of us do.
The Cacao bean contains Theobromine, a chemical that humans can easily break down and digest, however animals are unable to. It may take up to 17.5 hours to show evidence of chocolate ingestion, but symptoms can begin as soon as 12 hours. Toxicity from chocolate can affect the nervous system as well as the cardiovascular system. So remember that the more Cacao bean in chocolate the more Theobromine it contains and the more toxic it can be. All chocolate contains some level of Theobromine including milk chocolate and white chocolate, however the more pure, dark, and unsweetened the chocolate is the more Theobromine it contains.
Hyper excitement & listlessnessVomiting & diarrhea
Excessive drinking & urinating
Muscle tremors & seizures
Increased urination
Muscle tremors
In extreme cases coma & death
Increased urination
Muscle tremors
In extreme cases coma & death
Treatment:
Unfortunately there is no antidote for chocolate toxicity. When your pet has consumed chocolate and the quantity is unknown the best thing to do is contact your veterinarian immediately! Induce vomiting within the first 1-2 hours is the best first step and administering charcoal will inhibit the absorption of toxins. Supportive care through IV fluids will help prevent dehydration. In extreme cases medications to prevent seizures, muscle tremors, and/or regulate heart rate may be used.
So on Valentine’s Day it is OK to keep the box of chocolates all to yourself!!
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