my dog ate half a chocolate cake, what does this mean?

Question

he's been being himself, but sleeps a little more. what should i do?take it to the vet? cure it myself?help!!!!!!!!!1

Answer 1

The truth is chocolate contains theobromine that is toxic to dogs in sufficient quantities. This is a xanthine compound in the same family of caffeine, and theophylline.

Toxic Levels

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 2

It depends on the health, age, and size of your dog,and the type of chocolate, and how much the dog ate. Chocolate contains "theobromine", which is what makes chocolate dangerous for dogs. There is many different types of chocolates, and each contain different amounts of theobromine. Unlike what the so called "breeder" told you on here, it has nothing to do with a dog being "allergic" to chocolate. While my word is not the almighty word on things, you have to be careful of whos advice you take, some people dont have a clue about things, and should not even try to answer.....

Answer 3

Ok, you need to go to this website now. It will help you decide if you should call the vet. The determining factor is the amount and type of chocolate your dog ate (milk vs dark) and his body size.

This should help a lot. If he is toxic he would be acting like he is caffinated. And BTW, it is not an allergy, it is the theobromine in it.

http://www.beaglesunlimited.com/beaglehealth_chocolatetoxicosis.htm

http://www.talktothevet.com/ARTICLES/DOGS/chocolatetoxic.HTM

Answer 4

Chocolate can kill a dog because it makes their heart beat too fast. I've had a small dog that ate a huge amount of chocolate one time and he was fine. You should take him outside a lot today though, because he might end up with the sh*ts real bad.

Answer 5

Take to the vet just in case, You won't know til it too late A lil bit is harmless a half a cake is something else

Answer 6

you need to take your dog to the vet, explain what happened, and get a full physical. Chocolate contains a chemical that is extremal toxic to dogs, especially that used for baking. Sometimes signs of illness are hidden or subtle to us when in fact there is a very serious gastrointestinal or cardiac problem taking place...

don't delay, get to a vet! .And keep all chocolate, onions, and other toxic products and foods well out of reach!

-RVT

Answer 7

My kids blamed it on the dog once too! Did youactually see the dog eat it? Some say chocolate is harmful to pets but my sister dashund eats it all the time and hes 13 years old.

Answer 8

wait a few more days and see if he is still acting this way than it'll probably be okay but if he is getting more sleepy then just call the vet. my family had a mini dachshund that ate 100 chocolate covered cherries one time and he was okay.

Answer 9

Chocolate contains theobromine. A certainly happening stimulant got here upon interior the cocoa bean, theobromine will develop urination and impacts the imperative frightened equipment to boot as coronary heart muscle. jointly as quantities selection by utilizing type of chocolate, it is the theobromine this is poisonous to canine.

Answer 10

It means you take him to the vet immediately. Chocolate is toxic to a dog and, if not treated for the injesting it, can kill it.