Chocolate Poisoning

Overview:

Young dogs and puppies can not resist chocolate. The substances theobromine and caffeine contained in chocolate are what cause the toxic signs in dogs. Milk chocolate contains the least amount of the toxins, whereas baking chocolate and cacao beans contain the most.

Causes:

It can take only 6 ounces of baking chocolate to be lethal to a 60 lb dog. The same dog would have to eat 60 ounces of milk chocolate for it to be toxic. However, if a 10 pound dog ate 1/4 ounce of baking chocolate, toxic signs can occur at even such a low dose.

Symptoms:

Within 4 hours of ingestion, dogs will have vomiting and diarrhea. They may appear restless and need to urinate more. In the advanced stages, they become stiff, possibly have seizures, and can develop heart failure. Coma and death can occur within 12-36 hours.

Treatment:

As long as the patient is still conscious and not seizing, inducing vomiting is indicated. Hydrogen peroxide can be given at 2ml/kg orally. Most patients will need to have activated charcoal prescribed and severe or advanced cases should be hospitalized. Fluid therapy and management of any cardiac arrhythmias is a must. Prognosis is generally good if patient is treated within 4 hours of ingestion.