Our dog just got into some chocolate, and ate about 3 rows of the block. What should we do?

Question

He is a 6 to 7 kilo Whippet

He is a 6 to 7 kilo Whippet Puppy

Answer 1

Chocolate contains theobromine that is toxic to dogs in sufficient quantities. It is a xanthine compound in the same family of caffeine. The good news is that it takes, on average, a fairly large amount of theobromine, 100-150 mg per pound of your animal, to cause a toxic reaction. Although there are variables to consider like the individual sensitivity, animal size and chocolate concentration. Milk chocolate contains 60 mg per ounce of theobromine. The toxic dose is one ounce of milk chocolate per pound of body weight. For example one pound of milk chocolate is poisonous to the nervous system of a 20-pound dog; one-half pound in a 10-pound dog. Keep in mind that the average chocolate bar contains two to three ounces of milk chocolate. It would take two to three candy bars to produce toxicity in a 10-pound dog. Sins of chocolate toxicity include:
Excitement / nervousness / trembling
Vomiting / diarrhea
Excessive thirst / sometimes excessive urination.
Muscle spasms
Seizures
Coma (rare)
Death (rare) -- likely due to heart rhythm abnormalities.

Answer 2

Just watch the dog for sickness and if he gets sick take it 2 ur vet, but it should be okay as chocolate is toxic to dogs in large amounts and not small is what i have ever read.The good news is that it takes, on average, a fairly large amount of theobromine 100-150 mg/kg to cause a toxic reaction. Although there are variables to consider like the individual sensitivity, animal size and chocolate concentration.

On average,
Milk chocolate contains 44 mg of theobromine per oz.
Semisweet chocolate contains 150mg/oz.
Baker's chocolate 390mg/oz.

Using a dose of 100 mg/kg as the toxic dose it comes out roughly as:
1 ounce per 1 pound of body weight for Milk chocolate
1 ounce per 3 pounds of body weight for Semisweet chocolate
1 ounce per 9 pounds of body weight for Baker's chocolate.

So, for example, 2 oz. of Baker's chocolate can cause great risk to an 15 lb. dog. Yet, 2 oz. of Milk chocolate usually will only cause digestive problems.

Clinical Signs

Xanthines affect the nervous system, cardiovascular system and peripheral nerves. It has a diuretic effect as well. Clinical signs:

Hyper excitability
Hyper irritability
Increased heart rate
Restlessness
Increased urination
Muscle tremors
Vomiting
Diarrhea

Treatment

There is no specific antidote for this poisoning. And the half life of the toxin is 17.5 hours in dogs. Induce vomiting in the first 1-2 hours if the quantity is unknown. Administering activated charcoal may inhibit absorption of the toxin. An anticonvulsant might be indicated if neurological signs are present and needs to be controlled. Oxygen therapy, intravenous medications, and fluids might be needed to protect the heart.

Milk chocolate will often cause diarrhea 12-24 hours after ingestion. This should be treated symptomatically (fluids, etc..) to prevent dehydration.

If you suspect your pet has ingested chocolate contact your Vet immediately! They can help you determine the the proper treatment for your pet

Answer 3

How large is the dog weight wise. A large dog will be less affected then a small one. Dogs have a problem with caffeine but in most cases they will not die. Just try to give him lots of water and keep out of the heat, if it's hot where you are. Do not hold him let him run around it will pass. Remember your concern the next time you set chocolates down.

Answer 4

If it is milk chocolate you are probably fine. The darker the chocolate the worse it is for your dog. If it is really dark, especially baker's chocolate then you will have to induce vomitting. Give your dog 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide. The results are immediate so make sure you are wherever you want lots of vomit. If your dog is large you might have to give an additional dose. By the way chocolate is deadly for dogs and can have a PCP like effect on them.

Answer 5

Keep a good eye on him and be prepared to go to the vets if you feel he's starting to deteriorate. If he's fine then do expect some diarrhea. But I wouldn't worry too much because my dog ate three big Easter eggs some years ago and the only problem he had was the scolding he had to endure!

Answer 6

I was giving my 2 large black labs chocolate treats for years until someone told me chocolate is bad for dogs. Now I don't give it any more. Well maybe just a little taste every now and then. One dog is twelve years old the other died last year of cancer he was 11. Boy do I miss him

Answer 7

Call up the vets number and ask them what to do. If they can't answer that, ask for an appointment maybe for some X-rays to see whats going on in your dogs body. If he had eaten to much, you could have to put him down. :-( As you already know, chocolate kills dogs.Or you might want to keep him outside if he seems to be doing fine. It will give him some fresh air, and it's a punishment for eating stuff that he should'nt have.
~*Alyssa*~

Answer 8

I have a boxer who ate an entire box of cherry cordials when she was less than a year old. She is now going on 9 years old.

Chocolate in large quantities is fatal. A bite or two ain't gonna kill the whipet.

Answer 9

Call an emergency vet and tell them exactly how much and what kind (milk, semisweet, bakers) of chocolate your dog ate. Also tell them your dogs weight. Enough chocolate to kill an ankle biter may not phase a St Bernard.

Answer 10

As much as they talk about chocolate being poisonous to dogs, he'll be fine. I've known dogs to eat chocolate before with no side effects.