My dog ate chocolate, about half a bar of dark. What to do?

Question

He has had one bout of 'runny poo' and seems restless. He is a LARGER type dachshound (long hair), and heavyer - about 20 lbs or so. The chocolate was semi sweet about half a medium bar. He got into the garbage. He isn't vomiting.

He has had one bout of 'runny poo' and seems restless. He is a LARGER type dachshound (long hair), and heavyer - about 20 lbs or so. The chocolate was semi sweet about half a medium bar. He got into the garbage. He isn't vomiting.
UPDATE:
He seems "ok". Just keeps getting up and looking at me for reassurence. I think his heart is a little rapid. The vet is closed. The chocolate was in the garbage because a friend of mine had 'old chocolate' in purse. I was in the other room. Dog never went into garbage in 13 years...must have smelled the chocolate and went for it - pulled on bag and got the bin to fall right over. He is sleeping now.

Answer 1

The first thing to do is to get her to eat a LOT of something she really likes, such as real (lean) meat..this will dilute the chocolate, and slow it metabolism..Boiled milk would be great if she will drink it..Bring a cup of milk to a barely boil, and when cool enough, skim off the film (lactose) on top..then give to her warm..

The symptoms of Theobromide poisoning are numerous and they appear within a few hours or up to a day after the chocolate ingestion. Chocolate stays in the animal's stomach a long time. As the Theobromide is absorbed into the bloodstream, the animal can exhibit the following symptoms;

1) Vomiting

2) Diarrhea

3) Diuresis (Urinary incontinence)

4) Hyperactivity

5) Rapid breathing/heartbeat

6) Muscle tremors

7) Seizures

8) Coma

There is no antidote to Theobromide poisoning. Treatment is geared toward supporting the animals basic life functions, preventing further absorption of the chocolate, hastening elimination, and treating the symptoms. If less than two hours have passed since the ingestion, the first step is to induce vomiting. This should get rid of 70% of the stomach's contents. The chocolate can melt and form a ball in the stomach, which can be difficult to remove. If the dogs has eaten an amount that can be toxic (see chart) it is not enough to just induce vomiting. The animal should be placed under the care of a veterinarian until the danger has passed. The vet will give the dog repeated doses of activated charcoal to move the poison through the system faster and with less absorption. The vital signs (heart rate and respiration) must be carefully monitored during this treatment.
http://www.beaglesunlimited.com/beaglehealth_chocolatetoxicosis.htm

Answer 2

call you're vet immediately.. they might not answer, but should give you the number of an emergency 24-hour vet.. talk to them.. chocolate can be DEADLY for dogs.. and that does sound like a lot of chocolate for a dog his size to eat.. if you can't find a 24-hour vet, try calling regular poison control. they might know what to do.

**EDITED**

Symptoms of Chocolate Dog Ingestion and Poisoning

You can recognize that your dog has eaten a toxic dose of chocolate from the symptoms. Within the first few hours, the evidence includes vomiting, DIARRHEA, or hyperactivity. As time passes and there's increased absorption of the toxic substance, you'll see an increase in the dog's heart rate, which can cause arrhythmia, restlessness, hyperactivity, muscle twitching, increased urination or excessive panting.

This can lead to hyperthermia, muscle tremors, seizures, coma and even death.

Answer 3

I lost a dog this way. Either call a vet or keep a very close eye on him fo a few days. Chocolate can lead to heart failure, kidney failure and a host of other problems. Watch for lethargy, small seizures, or partial paralysis.

Semi-sweet milk isn't as bad as dark chocolate, and its hard to judge - as the other answers show, some dogs can get away with this.

Hope everything turns out alright!

Answer 4

Keep an eye on him chololate over long periods of time can be fatal for a dog as it weekens its heart and will cause the to have a heart attack. Personally if he gets worse I wood take him to the vets, but for now just wait and see. He probably is have the runs due to a different diet intake from the chocolate.

Answer 5

The less sweet, the worse it is, because there's more alkaloids in the unsweetened chocolate.

I don't know how big a medium bar is, but if you're talking a half-pound to a pound, I'd be concerned.

Why is there chocolate in your garbage??

Answer 6

I wouldnt be to concerned my mother in law give it to her ma-tease (sorry about the spelling LOL) that is what about 8lbs (and 10yrs or older) or so and it is fine plus i heard on the animal planet it was a myth that everyone believes (although since I am still a little worried I don't give it but accidents happen and I am sure my dogs have dug worse out of the trash! and are still alive)

Answer 7

Chocolate Isn't Necessarly Poisioness To Dogs Unless He Eats Almost Half His Weight...

Answer 8

Grass sometimes will make your cat or dog throw up. Its a natural way. Call your vet and leave a message for them to call you back. I gave my shelty candy all growing up and he lived a long time (may he RIP). It is probably just not agreeing with him and I dont reccomend you giving it to him. Always best to check with your vet never the less.

Answer 9

Take him to the vet if it gets any worse. But my dogs used to manage to get the chocolate of the christmas tree and they were ok (we did move them higher in the end)

Answer 10

Get ready for the chocolate to come out the other end. Have some good carpet cleaner on hand.