Chocolate: A Danger forThe Dog

Like most dogs, your pet is greedy: he is particularly attracted to chocolate. However, be vigilant, chocolate represents a real danger for the dog!

Why Is Such A Good Treat Dangerous?

The dog appreciates the sweet taste of chocolate. But cocoa contains toxic substances for him: the methylxanthines, which are also found in tea and that we humans support well, but not him!

You may be better acquainted with these substances under the name of caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine. It is especially the latter who is the main responsible...

The concentration is variable according to the nature of the chocolate.

• 180 to 220 mg for 100gr of milk chocolate
• 220 mg for 100gr of cocoa powder
• 650mg for 100gr of dark chocolate
• negligible for white chocolate

The fatal dose is 300mg / kg although cases have been reported 100mg / kg because their absorption is almost 100%. Death can occur at any time, by sudden cardiac arrest, when the amount consumed approaches this dose. A dark chocolate bar can be fatal to a Toy Poodle! The critical moment is 6 to 24 hours after ingestion.

Methylxanthines cause abrupt changes in blood flow, dilating vessels and packing heart activity (acceleration and provocation of contractions). In the case of regular ingestion, blood passes less in the atria of the heart, and this can cause degeneration of this organ in the long term. These substances also cause an excitation of the nervous system.

Symptoms

• The signs of intoxication appear 4 to 5 hours after consumption.
• The dog is first agitated. He starts to tremble and vomit.
• In some cases, he has a stomach ache, diarrhea, and saliva.
• We can observe convulsions, even a coma.
• The signs are uncharacteristic and only what has happened before, (i.e., the massive or repeated consumption of chocolate) can guide your veterinarian.

Treatments

It's the only one who can save your dog. We are talking about a medical emergency related to poisoning.

Act within 2 hours after ingestion, can save your companion.

Your attending veterinarian will try to make him vomit or will be forced to wash his stomach under general anesthesia if he is unconscious.

After doing everything to limit the absorption of toxic substances, it will correct all symptoms by protecting the heart and the nervous system. It will finally promote the elimination of theobromine by the kidneys. The greedy dog may have recovered in 24 to 48 hours.

How to prevent?

By the vigilance and especially the awareness that chocolate, even if your dog loves it, is a poison for him, whether it is a massive single take or repeatedly taken. Trust the experts to advise you and make your life happy with your companion for his well-being and safety!

Having a dog is lovely; you'll always have a companion that makes you happy. To learn more about how to get the best dog products for your dog, then check out this site to know more.

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