Help!! My dog just ate cocoa powder!?

Question

My dog (about 20 lbs) just licked the remains of my hot chocolate mug that contained a good amount of cocoa powder sludge at the bottom of the cup. What should I do?! I've heard that chocolate or the enzyme in chocolate can kill dogs. Help please!!

Answer 1

You are right to worry, but Chocolate affects different dogs in different ways..so don't panic..
I'll post on how to check heart rate in just a minute..meanwhile, feed her a lot of something she really likes to dilute the chocolate..and slow its absorption.
check your dogs heart rate over the next couple of hours, by placing your hand/fingers on the area just behind the front elbows.. All you need to count is for 15 seconds, and multiply the number by 4...
Listen for respiration rate, and count the same (multiplying by 4)
If either goes much over the normal, listed below, call the vet and give exact information...after 2-3 hours, you shouldn't need to worry..
Heart rate - 180 beats a minute for puppies

60-160 beats per minute for most adult dogs

180 beats a minute for toy breeds Respiration -10 to 30

The normal resting respiratory rate for dogs is 16 to 20 breaths per minute

Answer 2

The hot chocolate powder is usually diluted/cut by adding a solution of milk powder. Now to further speak of not "feeding" a dog chocolate. The reason that a canine should not have chocolate is because of the caffeine factor in chocolate plus the fats that are put into the chocolate. A dog's heart rate can speed up enormously if it has any kind of caffeine product. They can actually have a heart attack. Then there is the stomach problem once the dog tries to digest the chocolate. It will cause a massive amount of diarrhea and can possibly poop itself to death ...and/or cause a severe problem with carpets. As with grapes...a dog should not eat grapes. Good luck, but I'm sure that the hot chocolate was probably not enough to make a difference. But just check him/her in a couple of hours.....but then again, he/she might be running all over by then from the choco rush!!!

Answer 3

I had a black lab that loved chocolate and would look for candy to eat. She ate a whole back of chocolate, wrappers and all. She was tired and threw up, but was back to normal once it got through her system. I think it has to be a large amount of chocolate to kill a dog.

If you are really concerned about your dog take him/her to the vet.

Answer 4

I doubt it will hurt it. Chocolate is poisonous to dogs, but usually if given in extreme quantities or ove a period of time. Keep an eye on him over the next day or so and if he seems to get ill, get him to the vet.

Answer 5

Don't worry. Chocolate hurts them in bigger quantities, basically because of causing diabetes to them. It is not like he ate poison! By the way, if you see the dog fine, no panting, no spasms or trembling, etc, I suppose he's in no danger. Ask a more expert - like call a vet, because I am not an expert.

Answer 6

although dogs get to it at some time in their lives, I think it is like larger ammounts of chocolate that can kill them...
my aunts dog many many years ago ate a 5 pound bag of chocolates one year, including wrappers... Died many years later from old age and other problems. Possibly the chocolate.
The ammount your dog ate might give him/her an upset tummy for now.

Answer 7

Don't worry about it! Yes, chocolate can kill a dog but not powder.

Answer 8

A little bit now and then won't kill it. Just don't make a habit of it and all will be fine. If you notice anything "odd" about your dog call the vet other than that don't worry about it. good luck

Answer 9

Give it milk to dilute it and call the vet. for advise.

Answer 10

Call the vet and ask if you should induce vomiting.