PETS CORNER

Halloween Spooktacular: The Dangers of Chocolate by Dr Steph Gowing

With Halloween coming up, and everyone making costumes and preparing for trick or treaters, I thought I would write on the dangers of chocolate for our canine friends, as it’s likely to be more accessible to them around this time of year.

Why is chocolate toxic to dogs?

Chocolate contains theobromine which is somewhat similar to caffeine. Dogs’ bodies, unlike humans’, really struggle to break these compounds down and it can be very dangerous for them. Chocolate is also full of fat and sugar, and this, particularly when eaten in a large amount, can predispose dogs to a condition called pancreatitis.

How much is a dangerous amount?

It can be a surprisingly small amount, particularly for small dogs and puppies, even just a few squares from a bar. All foods containing chocolate pose a threat, with dark chocolate, baking chocolate and cocoa powder being the most dangerous, but your vet will be able to calculate whether a toxic dose has been consumed based on the type of chocolate and the quantity eaten.

What might I see if my dog has eaten chocolate?

Signs usually occur between four and twenty-four hours after eating chocolate. Early signs include restlessness or pacing, often with vomiting and/or diarrhoea. They may progress to more serious signs such as: • Rapid breathing and heart rate • Shaking or being unsteady on their feet • Losing consciousness or seizures • Gums changing colour to more blue/purple or red

What will the vet do to help my dog?

If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, contact your vet immediately for advice/an urgent appointment – do not wait for signs to occur, as it is important to act quickly. The vet will take a thorough history from you and will need details of when and what your dog has eaten. It is particularly helpful if you can bring any packaging with you, but if not, it will be important for the vet to know the amount and type of chocolate consumed e.g., dark chocolate, cocoa powder/cake, and if it contained any additional substances such as raisins or alcohol liqueur. The vet will ask whether your dog is showing any unusual signs and will undertake a thorough examination, after which they will decide with you the most appropriate treatment option.

Your dog may be given medication to encourage vomiting, to bring up any chocolate left in the stomach and to stop further absorption. A substance called activated charcoal may also be given in the practice or sent home with you to give, which helps bind up anything that’s not vomited up.

In certain cases, the vet may think it necessary for your dog to be admitted for intravenous fluids or monitoring. Blood may also be taken at the time or after the initial appointment to check up on organ function, particularly the kidneys and pancreas to see if any further treatment or monitoring is needed. If they have an abnormal heart rate or seizure activity, then medication can be prescribed to help control the symptoms.

How can you prevent this?

Be careful to keep all chocolates and chocolate-containing items away from dogs. Keep in mind if they’re really determined, they can open doors or cupboards, get onto counters and open packets so be careful nothing is left where they can get it when unsupervised. Also keep in mind that, although cats are much less inclined to eat chocolate, it is toxic to them as well if they do.