Halloween is upon us. While no one knows what that will mean for trick-or-treaters during these weird times, there is certainly a lot of bags full of candy being peddled at the stores. These are the times I like to remind folks about how toxic chocolate is to dogs.
While many people are already aware of this fact, there are also many people who are completely shocked that such an amazing substance could be poison. Normally, chocolate gives us a boost in positive emotion and energy. This is through providing caffeine and stimulating “feel-good” neurotransmitters like serotonin. Having grown up in a family candy factory, I ALWAYS have chocolate in my house. I also tend to share bits of whatever I am eating with my dog, so I know the temptation is there. But, chocolate is never OK.
The problem with chocolate is how the dog’s liver processes certain substances in it, particularly theobromine. This compound has similar effects as caffeine, but it is eliminated much more slowly from the dog’s body than ours. So, the effects can become cumulative. In dogs with toxic levels, this will cause hyperactivity, seizures, heart arrythmias, and, in severe cases, death.
The amount of theobromine depends on the concentration of cocoa in the product ingested. Milk chocolate tends to have the lowest levels which is fortunate seeing as this is the most common type that dogs get into. However, dark, semi-sweet chocolate has over three times the concentration of theobromine compared to milk chocolate while baker’s chocolate has NINE times as much. So, when taking your dog to the vet, it is especially important to know the type and amount of chocolate your dog may have eaten.
The treatment type and duration for chocolate ingestion depends on when the chocolate was eaten. If recently, the veterinarian will induce vomiting, then give activated charcoal antidote solution to bind what is still in the intestines before it is absorbed. This is, by far, the most important part of the treatment as we have no antidote once the theobromine reaches the bloodstream. Many people will wait to see if the dog becomes sick before calling the vet. The problem with this is if the dog ate it a while ago and is already showing clinical signs, they can remain sick and hospitalized for up to four days. Sometimes in an ICU situation. The costs for this can be extreme. It also greatly increases their chance a fatal heart issue. So, never wait to get medical attention if your dog gets into chocolate.