A vet has issued a warning that just one square of chocolate can be fatal for dogs. Dr Anna Foreman has spoken out after research from Everypaw Pet Insurance showed an increase in concern around dogs accidentally eating chocolate.
It said that internet searches had increased considerably year-on-year, with searches for "my dog ate a small piece of chocolate" up 587%. The term "dog ate milk chocolate" was up 267% and queries about what to do were up 100%.
Dr Foreman, who is Everypaw's in-house Vet, said: "Although extremely palatable, it is not recommended for dogs to eat chocolate. Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which (although humans can process) is toxic to dogs, cats and rabbits.
"Theobromine is in cocoa solids and so the toxic threshold for different types of chocolate - milk, dark, white etc - varies on their cocoa content. White chocolate does not contain cocoa solids and thus theobromine and so is technically non-toxic to dogs.
"However, it contains high levels of fat, which can initiate conditions such as pancreatitis in both susceptible and non-susceptible dogs depending on the quantity ingested. Milk chocolate contains a lower cocoa percentage than dark chocolate and so takes a higher quantity to cause a toxicity.
"The richer the dark chocolate, the smaller the quantity required to cause a toxicity. Chocolate toxicity is very dependent on a dog’s weight too – unlike with toxins such as raisins/grapes, the toxic threshold of chocolate is well-documented in dogs. The heavier the dog, the higher the quantity needed to cause a toxicity and the more tolerant they are to high cocoa solid percentages.
"Even a small amount of chocolate can be fatal for dogs, even if not directly. Although feeding one square of milk chocolate to a large dog does not lead to toxicity, once a dog has the taste for chocolate they are much more likely to seek it out and steal.
"Equally, although one square of milk chocolate may not be toxic to a certain animal, one square of dark chocolate may be, and it is often difficult to distinguish the cocoa percentage in a product. One ‘square’ of a home-made chocolate brownie may be toxic to a dog, where one square of milk chocolate may not. Home-made items tend to contain more cocoa powder than shop bought items too."
What are the signs that a dog has eaten chocolate?
Dr Foreman said Theobromine negatively affects the nervous system of an animal around six to 12 hours after ingestion. Mild chocolate poisoning or toxicity in dogs presents as:
- Drinking and weeing more
- Gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting or diarrhoea
- Restlessness
- More severe signs include a fast heart rate
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Mucus membranes (such as the gums) going a blue colour (cyanosis)
- A wobbly gait (ataxia)
- Can progress to seizing and a coma."
What should dog owners do if they think their pet has consumed chocolate?
Dr Foreman said: "If a dog is seen to ingest chocolate, your vet should immediately be contacted for advice. Have to hand the packaging of the chocolate or chocolate product, or recipe if homemade, as this will help the vet to determine whether action needs to be taken.
"The weight of your dog, the quantity ingested, and cocoa percentage are crucial pieces of information needed. The vet will then be able to determine whether your dog needs to be made sick and whether further treatment after this needs to be instigated.
"It is only effective making an animal vomit up to four hours after ingestion of a toxin and so early action is crucial to ensure the toxin is not absorbed by the body. The vet may also prescribe activated charcoal to ‘mop up’ any remaining toxins left in the gastrointestinal system. Depending on whether or not clinical signs are occurring, a dog may need to be hospitalised."
Are there any dog-friendly chocolates available?
Dr Foreman said: "Carob is a dog friendly ‘chocolate’ which is safe for animal consumption. As with any treat, it should only be given in small quantities, and the caloric value considered in relation to their daily allowance to prevent obesity."
