The Christmas period can prove hazardous to our pets for a number of food related reasons. There are many foods that can cause health problems in our beloved fur babies including; Onions, Macadamias, Grapes and especially chocolate. Chocolate toxicity is well recognized in dogs (less so in cats as they have more discerning tastes), and is seen year round but especially during the festive seasons.
The toxic ingredient in chocolate is Theobromine, very similar to caffeine in its effects. The effects on an individual dog depend on the total dose of toxin received and progress in a relatively predictable fashion. Mild cases involved stomach upsets – vomiting and diarrhoea but more significant intoxication can cause hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, abnormalities to the normal heart rhythm and even death.
All types of chocolate and chocolate flavoured food are potentially toxic depending on the amount consumed and the size of the pet. Generally toxicity decreases in the following order; Baking chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate flavoured biscuits and slices. White chocolate has virtually no Theobromine but is high in fat and can cause pancreatitis if large amounts are eaten.
For a 5kg dog as little as 50g of milk chocolate can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Twice this dose (100g – or just 15g of baking chocolate) is guaranteed to cause changes in heart rhythm and may even result in seizures. Clinical signs of toxicity usually become apparent within 1-4 hours of ingestion. Treatment is always advised if ingestion of a potentially toxic amount of chocolate has occurred, or if the dose received is unknown.
If picked up early – treating by decontamination is best. This means administering medication to make your pet vomit to prevent any further absorption of toxic compounds. If already showing signs of toxicity; further treatment including hospitalization and fluid therapy, medications to treat seizures and heart disturbances may be required.
Chocolate can make your pets very ill so remember to be cautious around holiday times. Pets will eat chocolate; wrapping and all. Remember to keep chocolate out of their reach. Carob chocolate is suitable for dogs as it contains no Theobromine.