Why is chocolate deadly to dogs

With up to 32 mg of theobromine per gram, cocoa bean mulch can be a more potent source of theobromine than even pure unsweetened baking chocolate. One study found that repeated theobromine exposure led to the development of cardiomyopathy a chronic disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood in dogs.

This has important implications in their veterinary treatment and could explain why some dogs get sick after eating very little chocolate. So, what should you do if you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate? You have a few options. You can check an online calculator like this one to see if your dog is likely to exhibit symptoms or call animal poison control in Canada and the U. Keeping in mind that such resources are not substitutes for veterinarian care, you should monitor your dog closely no matter what they say, looking for symptoms like a fast heart rate, vomiting or tremors.

If your dog ate an unknown amount of chocolate; is exhibiting symptoms; is pregnant theobromine can cross the placenta and affect the puppy ; or has other health complications, you should take them to a vet right away.

Symptoms may not develop until up to two hours after ingestion, but veterinarian anti-chocolate treatments are most effective if performed as soon as possible after ingestion.

And what exactly do they do to cure a dog of theobromine poisoning? Gastric decontamination. The first step is to empty the stomach if the ingestion was recent enough.

This is often done with a drug called apomorphine which is administered through the eye so that it is quickly absorbed. In some cases, repeat administrations of charcoal are necessary, but in others, just one dose will do it. Beyond these steps, a theobromine-poisoned dog will just be given medicines to manage their specific symptoms, such as Diazepam for seizures or hyperexcitability, beta blockers for high heart rate, Atropine for low heart rate or others. Greater China - Taiwan.

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It depends on your dog's size and how much chocolate they've consumed. But if your dog consumes a large amount of chocolate or if you have a small dog who consumes chocolate, then they may develop the following signs of chocolate toxicity: Seizures Tremors Irregular heart rate Heart attack Internal bleeding These signs are usually proceeded by an onset of extreme excitement. The treatment for chocolate toxicity in dogs is decontamination and support. If your dog or pet has ingested chocolate even a small amount you should contact your local veterinarian as soon as possible for advice.

Vets can usually treat chocolate poisoning by inducing vomiting and with supportive therapy in hospital but it is important to seek veterinary attention quickly. Tagged: Poisons, toxins and baits.

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