Why pets should not eat chocolate

We all enjoy a sweet treat over the easter holidays, which is a great time to remind ourselves of the dangers of eating chocolate to our pets. You may not feed chocolate to your pet, however there is plenty of it around at Easter acting as a temptation. We therefore need to keep a watchful eye over our furry friends to prevent any sneaky consumption.  

Why is chocolate toxic to dogs and other pets?

Chocolate in all forms - especially dark or cooking chocolate – can be very dangerous, even fatal for our pets. Chocolate contains a derivative of caffeine called theobromine. Theobromine is a stimulant, which means if your pet eats chocolate, their heart rate increases or beats irregularly and they become hyperactive. Pets have trouble digesting theobromine and if they ingest a toxic amount, they can become very unwell, occasionally with fatal outcomes.

Chocolate poisoning is a problem that occurs mainly in dogs and occasionally in cats and other pets. Chocolate also contains other ingredients which are not good for pets and can cause stomach upsets. As a general rule, chocolate is not safe for any pets.

How much chocolate is poisonous to pets?

There are three factors that determine the effect of chocolate on your pet:

• Size/weight of your pet

• Amount of chocolate eaten

• Type of chocolate eaten (ie. dark, milk or white)

The concentration of theobromine varies depending on the type of chocolate eaten. For example, dark chocolate, cocoa powder and cooking chocolate contain higher amounts of theobromine than milk or white chocolate.

The toxicity of theobromine is dose related. Therefore, the size/weight of your pet, the amount of chocolate eaten and the type of chocolate are all important factors to determine the toxic effect of chocolate on your pet.

What are the signs of chocolate poisoning?

Common signs of chocolate poisoning include:

• Hyperactivity

• Rapid breathing

• Increased heart rate

• Vomiting and/or diarrhoea

• Increased thirst and/or excessive urination

• Tremors

• Seizures

It is important to seek medication attention by calling your vet as soon as your suspect your pet has eaten chocolate, even if they aren’t showing the above signs.

What should I do if my pet eats chocolate?

Contact your vet immediately if your pet has eaten any amount of chocolate. It is important to seek veterinary attention quickly. Even if it is a small amount, your vet can offer advice on what to do next.

What is the treatment for chocolate poisoning?

In most cases, we can treat chocolate poisoning by making your pet vomit to prevent any nasty side effects. If treated early, this aims to block the theobromine being absorbed into your pet’s body. Depending on the severity of the poisoning, it may also be necessary to administer IV fluids to help flush out your pet’s system.

Chocolate is a yummy treat that we all enjoy over Easter. However, it is not safe for our pets. If your pet has eaten chocolate, give us a call on 03 8784 4444.