Chocolate is one of the most dangerous foods for dogs. This is due to the presence of alkaloids — theobromine and caffeine. While these substances are quickly absorbed and neutralized in humans, they can cause serious intoxication in animals, warned veterinarian Anastasia Kistenyova.
How to Identify Poisoning
The first alarming sign is hyperactivity. Then the dog may experience vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, increased temperature, and frequent urination. In some cases, blood may be observed in the animal's urine.
Severe poisoning manifests as tachycardia, arrhythmia, shortness of breath, cyanosis, muscle tremors, and seizures. Internal bleeding is also possible.
“The first signs usually appear 6–12 hours after consuming chocolate and can last up to 3 days, which is related to the slow metabolism of theobromine and its long half-life — about 17 hours,” noted Anastasia Kistenyova.
Older dogs and those suffering from heart diseases are in a special risk group. Chocolate poisoning can lead to sudden death, the veterinarian warned.
What to Do If Your Dog Has Been Poisoned by Chocolate?
First of all, it is necessary to induce vomiting in the pet. This can be done using a solution of table salt or baking soda: 1 tablespoon per cup of warm water.
After vomiting, the dog should be given a sorbent. “Polysorb” (1–2 teaspoons heaped in ¼ cup of water) or “Enterosgel” (1 teaspoon in ¼ cup of water) will work.
After that, it is essential to consult a veterinarian, the expert warned.
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