He didn't get too eat much because I thankfully caught him, but he ate 1 mini size snickers, 1 mini size laffy taffy, and 2 starburst. Is this serious? Should I take him to the vet?
2006-11-18 06:37:28 · 25 answers · asked by Kristina 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
The truth is 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.
White chocolate contains 1 mg per ounce of theobromine. The toxic dose is 200 ounces of white chocolate per pound of body weight. For example 250 pounds of white chocolate will cause signs of nervous system poisoning in a 20-pound dog, 125 pounds in a 10-pound dog.
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.
Semisweet chocolate contains 150mg per ounce of chocolate. The toxic dose is 0.3 ounces of semisweet chocolate per pound of body weight. One-third of a pound of sweet chocolate is toxic to a 20-pound dog; 1/6 of pound for a 10-pound dog.
Baking chocolate contains 450 mg per ounce of theobromine. The toxic dose is 0.1 ounces of baking chocolate per pound of body weight. Two one-ounce squares of bakers chocolate is toxic to a 20-pound dog; one ounce for a 10-pound dog.
It would seem that it is all right to let your dog have a chocolate treat every now and then if it is the right kind and it is not very often.
The problem with feeding a dog chocolate as a treat is that it develops a liking for chocolate. Since dogs do not seem to be as sensitive to bitter tastes as humans, they may then eat the more toxic baker's chocolate or they may consume a toxic amount of milk or semi-sweet chocolate if it can get into an improperly stored supply.
What are the signs of toxicity?
Signs are most commonly seen within 12 hours (or less) of chocolate ingestion.
* Excitement / nervousness / trembling
* Vomiting / diarrhea
* Excessive thirst / sometimes excessive urination.
* Muscle spasms
* Seizures
* Coma (rare)
* Death (rare) -- likely due to heart rhythm abnormalities.
How is chocolate toxicity treated?
If you suspect that your pet has eaten chocolate (more than the stray chocolate chip that fell on the floor), call your veterinarian for advice.
The toxicity of theobromine is dose dependent. This means that the size of your pet, the type of chocolate, and quantity of chocolate determine if or how toxic it is for your pet.
There is no specific antidote for theobromine toxicity. Medical treatments are supportive, and may include all or some of the following:
* IV fluids - to prevent dehydration from vomiting, diarrhea, and /or increased urination, and to "flush" the theobromine out of the system.
* Emetics - medications that induce vomiting. Used when the ingestion of chocolate is within four hours. Up to eight hours post chocolate ingestion may be effective.
* Activated charcoal - for ingestion greater than four hours prior to treatment, or for patients that show continued signs of toxicity.
* Anti-seizure medications - for patients having seizures and/or muscle tremors.
* Cardiac medications - for patients exhibiting irregular heart rates or rhythms.
What is the prognosis for chocolate toxicosis?
The expected course of chocolate toxicosis is 12 to 36 hours depending on the dosage and effectiveness of treatment. Prognosis is good if the chocolate is removed within two to four hours of ingestion. Prognosis is guarded in animals with advanced signs such as seizures and serious heart dysfunction.
your dog will be okay one snickers will not hurt the dog
2006-11-18 12:08:09 · answer #1 · answered by badgirl41 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It it makes you feel better call the vet just to ask. If you're really not TOO worried bc you dont think he ate very much for his size I would suggest just keeping a close eye on him and calling vet if he acts funny (throwing up, refusing to eat, etc.) My understanding is that it's a chemical in chocolate called theobromine that dogs cant handle it takes appx. 1 ounce of milk chocolate per pound of dog to potentially kill it and even less if its semi-sweet chocolate. But, I have no idea about a dog's ability to digest laffy taffy or something.
2006-11-18 18:10:19 · answer #2 · answered by ct_girl02 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hi, I would take him to the vet so his vitals(blood pressure, pulse, and respiration)can be checked, especially if there was a lot of chocolate in what he ingested. Chocolate is like speed to a dog and can make his heart beat too fast. He could have a heart attack. I had the same thing happen to my two dogs and nothing happened to them that I noticed, but I didn't know about what chocolate could do to dogs then. We probably had eaten most of the chocolate though. I hope your dog is as lucky.
2006-11-18 06:51:48 · answer #3 · answered by sunshinesue_1999 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No. It's not a secret that dog's and chocolate don't mix but the fact is...dogs get into chocolate all the time and nothing happens 99% of the time.Just about everyone will tell you to take you dog to the vet but don't! just watch your dog and only if your dog starts to show symptoms, and you will know...just leave a sleeping dog lie. You know, everyone is fast to say...take him to the vet NOW! but if you talk to your vet via phone, not an office visit, your vet will tell you the same thing. the decision is yours...good luck :)
2006-11-18 07:06:02 · answer #4 · answered by dhwilson58 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Keep an eye on him for 24 hours. If he starts to vomit, call the vet. Although dogs are allergic to chocolate, some dogs it takes alot to hurt them. Make sure he drinks alot of water and feed him dog food at his normal time.
2006-11-18 06:40:26 · answer #5 · answered by Squeegee 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, if he is a medim to large dog don't worry about it. The only thin that he would have a problem with would be the chocolate from the snickers but there's probably not enough to bother him. Just watch him and make sure he has plenty of water. he'll be thirsty
2006-11-18 06:43:18 · answer #6 · answered by Luvatlanta 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No this is not serious. My dog once ate a whole chocolate and was fine. The only thing is you may want to keep him outside because he might throw up the contents of his stomach.
2006-11-18 07:08:52 · answer #7 · answered by Dani 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Chocolate and some other candies are not good for dogs. Definitely keep an eye on him. You might want to feed him alot of milk and canned dog food, as much as he can hold to help dilute what he may have eaten.
2006-11-18 06:43:13 · answer #8 · answered by Uncle Baby 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, you shouldn't have to take your dog to the vet. However, if your dog's breed is one which has a sensitive stomach you may want to watch it. As long the dag recovers after a while it should be OK. If your dog has a sensitive stomach you can feed them baby food and rice to help them feel better, and not as pukey.
2006-11-18 07:35:13 · answer #9 · answered by britbrok 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm no vet, but your dog should be fine. A little bit of candy has never hurt any dog that I know of. And unless your dog is running around acting like it's blind-He/she should be fine!
2006-11-18 06:42:25 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Take him to the vet becuase chocolate is dangerous for dogs it can kill them and keep an eye to see if it vomits that good to get the chocolate out of its system
2006-11-18 06:52:10 · answer #11 · answered by ALt 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋