my miniature pinscher ate half of a big bag of m&ms!!!!!?

Question

he threw it up, but he's really bloated, and seems quite sad. How serious is this. (Serious answers only please!)

Answer 1

Take him to a vet immediately!!!!!!!! Chocolate, even small amounts, is very poisonous to dogs and you have a small dog anyway. Go, go, go!!!!


Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs

Every holiday season, veterinarians find an increase in accidental chocolate poisoning in our canine companions. Many people are still unaware of the danger chocolate poses for their furry friend even though it is the most commonly encountered poisoning (based on an evaluation of the reason for calls to the National Animal Poison Control Center).

The naturally occurring theobromine found in chocolate, cocoa beans, cocoa bean hulls, cola, and tea, is responsible for the poisoning effect in dogs. Dogs are unable to metabolize this element quickly enough to prevent poisoning. The lethal dose of this agent is determined by weight and falls roughly into the category of 250-500 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. This equates to approximately 2/3 to 1 1/3 oz bakers chocolate for every 2.2 pounds though signs of poisoning begin to appear at a much lower ingestion levels. Please see chart below for breakdown of theobromine levels by chocolate type.

The first signs of poisoning are vomiting and diarrhea, increased urination, lethargy and depression, and muscle tremors. This can progress to cardiac arrhythmias and seizures leading to death. Though most symptoms will begin to appear within two hours it can take as long as twenty four hours for symptoms to appear and up to three days for recovery. As theobromine metabolizes slowly in dogs symptoms may be slow in appearing- do NOT be fooled into thinking everything is ok. Early attention and treatment can make the difference in saving your companion’s life.

If you discover your pet has ingested chocolate DO NOT wait for symptoms to appear but phone your veterinarian- poisoning is an EMERGENCY.

If discovered within two hours of ingestion vomiting can be induced to eliminate the poison. If it has been longer than two hours your pet may need more intensive treatment including a activated charcoal treatment, iv fluids, and careful monitoring. In addition to contacting your own veterinarian you can phone the National Animal Poison Information Center at 1-888-252-7387. Though there is a fee for this consultation, they will provide you with a case number which your doctor can use to access information on how to help your pet. (It can be helpful to phone this center while on your way to your veterinarian as a resource for your doctor).

Dogs have a sweet-tooth but it is our responsibility to keep our canine companions safe. Never give chocolate as a treat and keep it well out of reach of interested muzzles. Keep unsweetened chocolate and other chocolate based baking supplies in tightly closed containers in high cupboards. Be aware of holiday sweets- box of chocolates under the tree, gold foil coins left on the floor from a game, etc and keep them safely out of paws way. A tiny bit of precaution can ensure a safer holiday for the WHOLE family.

Essentially this means that as little as 4.5 ounces of a candy bar (two snack sized bars) or even 4 ounces of hot chocolate powder can be poisonous to a small dog! Please call your veterinarian if you suspect that your dog has eaten any chocolate.

Answer 2

the good thing is that it is milk chocolate, the bad is that the dog is pretty small, it all depends on this amount and weight , here is what I found;
"Milk chocolate: 1 ounce per pound of body weight. Approximately one pound of milk chocolate is poisonous to a 20-pound dog; one-half pound for a 10-pound dog. The average chocolate bar contains 2 to 3 ounces of milk chocolate. It would take 2-3 candy bars to poison a 10 pound dog. Semi-sweet chocolate has a similar toxic level"
after you calculate the risk factor it is time to decide if it is best to take action or not If it appears you need to take action then:
"Next be prepared by having on hand the tools you might need. The first-aid treatment for chocolate poisoning involves removing it from the body, quickly, before too much time passes and the theobromine has circulated, damaging the gastrointestinal tract in the process. The treatment includes:

inducing vomiting, which removes, and then administering
activated charcoal slurry, which absorbs.
The sooner this is done, the less the effects of the poison. That, in itself, explains the importance of dog owners having an emergency kit in their homes plus the knowledge for quick first-aid treatment.

To induce vomiting, Michelle Bamberger in Help! The Quick Guide to First Aid for Your Dog, Howell Bookhouse, New York 1993, recommends using three percent hydrogen peroxide, one-to-two teaspoons by mouth every 15 minutes until vomiting occurs. Alternatively, she suggests using Syrup of Ipecac. Use, she says, two to three teaspoons, only once.

You can get Syrup of Ipecac at almost any pharmacy. You do not need a prescription from your doctor. Syrup of Ipecac is inexpensive and will keep for several years if stored at room temperature.

After vomiting, Bamberger says to give the dog by mouth activated charcoal mixed with water to a slurry consistency. The dosage is 1 teaspoon for dogs who are less than 25 pounds and 2 teaspoons for dogs weighing more than 25 pounds. "

Answer 3

Well, I don't think it's too big of a deal. My friend's dog ate a whole box of Oreo's and it's just fine. I guess if a day or more goes by and it stills seems sad, maybe then you should take it to the vet.

Answer 4

This can be very deadly. There is a chemical in chocolate that dogs cannot metabolize and is poisonous to them. You need to take him to the emergency vet and have his stomach pumped and get him special medication right away!

Answer 5

Chocolate and raisins are very bad for dogs, and a minpin is a little bitty dog. Watch him overnight and be prepared to make an emergency run to the vet.

Answer 6

Does A Jar of Peanut Butter Count?

Answer 7

Chocolate is like poison for dogs. Take him to the vet.

Answer 8

Chocolate is very bad for dogs, the darker the chocolate the worse, I would suggesst you call your vet immediately.Dogs have been known to die from eating chocolate.

Answer 9

Chocolate can kill a dog. You need to get him to a vet, or read up on the internet about signs of chocolate poisoning. :(

Answer 10

Really serious. Chocolate is really really REALLY poisonous to dogs. Call the vet ASAP.