Theobromine, naproxen, and lidocaine cannot be adequately metabolized or broken down in dogs with a certain mutation in their CYP1A2 gene (the variant is 1117C>T). This could explain why some dogs become ill after ingesting only a small amount of chocolate and has crucial consequences for their medical care.
What should you do, then, if you think your dog may have consumed chocolate? You have several choices. To determine if your dog is likely to have symptoms, use an internet calculator like this one or contact animal poison control (1-888-426-4435 in Canada and the U.S.). You should keep a close eye on your dog regardless of what they say, checking for symptoms such a high heart rate, vomiting, or tremors, while keeping in mind that such resources are not a replacement for veterinary care.
You should take your dog to the vet immediately away if they consumed an unknown amount of chocolate, are displaying symptoms, are pregnant (theobromine can cross the placenta and impact the puppy), or have any other health issues. Veterinarian anti-chocolate remedies are most successful if administered as soon as possible after intake, even if symptoms may not appear for up to two hours after ingestion.
What precisely is done to treat theobromine poisoning in dogs? Decontamination of the stomach. Emptying the stomach is the first step (if the ingestion was recent enough). This frequently involves the use of the chemical apomorphine, which is injected into the eye to be swiftly absorbed.
A veterinarian will then give activated charcoal, a finely powdered substance that can bind a range of medications and chemicals. Because it turns your dog’s stool black, activated charcoal is typically given by combining it with wet dog food as soon as possible after ingesting the poison. Charcoal must occasionally be administered again, although it can also be effective with just one dose.
A theobromine-intoxicated dog will only receive medication to treat their specific symptoms after these steps, such as Diazepam for seizures or hyperexcitability, beta blockers for a fast heart rate, atropine for a low heart rate, or other medications.
It turns out that cats are more prone to theobromine poisoning than dogs, despite the fact that we never hear of a cat becoming ill after eating chocolate. How come?
primarily because dogs tend to eat more recklessly than cats do. While cats tend to be fussy eaters, dogs are infamous for eating almost anything they can get their hands on, even joint butts, which puts them at risk for cannabis toxicity. This can be partially explained by the fact that cats cannot taste glucose.
You probably wouldn’t eat much of it if all chocolate tasted like 100% dark chocolate.
Takeaway message
- Theobromine, which dogs cannot adequately metabolize, is the main reason why chocolate is deadly to dogs.
- With respect to weight, a dog’s ability to consume chocolate without developing symptoms varies significantly.
- If your dog consumes chocolate, you should keep a close eye on them and take them to the vet if they exhibit any symptoms, are very young, pregnant, or have other health issues.
Special thanks to Henry, who, as you may assume, inspired this paper by eating chocolate, and Rachel Malkani, a veterinary PhD candidate and MSc. CDBC.
How much chocolate canine consumption?
According to the Merck/Merial Manual for Veterinary Health, chocolate includes both theobromine and caffeine, both of which can raise a dog’s heart rate and excite their nervous system. Calculate your dog’s risk of toxicity using this simple application. The likelihood that your dog may get sick after eating chocolate depends on the type, quantity, and weight of the dog. Various forms of chocolate have different amounts of these harmful ingredients. Following are a few chocolate varieties, listed by theobromine content:
- cocoa butter (most toxic)
- Unsweetened chocolate for baking
- Unsweetened chocolate
- a deep chocolate
- chocolate milk
You and your veterinarian can decide whether you have an emergency by knowing how much and what sort of chocolate your dog consumed. A dog would typically have minor signs of chocolate toxicity at 20 mg of methylxanthines per kilogram of body weight. Around 40 to 50 mg/kg of chocolate causes cardiac symptoms, while 60 mg/kg or more causes convulsions.
That translates into a pretty alarming dose of chocolate, which is roughly one ounce of milk chocolate for every pound of body weight. Even one Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bar, which weighs 1.55 ounces on average, can have harmful effects, especially for little dogs. On the other side, your dog generally won’t die from eating a tiny piece of chocolate bar or a crumb of chocolate cake, especially if it is a larger breed. Nevertheless, chocolate should never be given as a treat.
Is it accurate to say that dogs who eat chocolate die?
What occurs when a dog consumes chocolate? Dogs are harmful to the ingredients in chocolate. A dog may undergo poisoning, with signs ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to seizures and unexpected death, depending on its size and the amount of chocolate it consumes.
How soon after consuming chocolate does a dog become ill?
Dogs are particularly susceptible to the effects of theobromine because they do not absorb it in the same way that humans do. Theobromine is derived from cocoa beans, so as a general rule, the more cocoa solids there are in a chocolate product, the more theobromine there is.
Theobromine in chocolate is not the sole danger for dogs, though. Chocolate has a lot of fat and sugar, which can lead to pancreatitis, which can be fatal if ignored.
Signs of chocolate poisoning in dogs
Watch out for these symptoms if your dog has consumed any chocolate, even a small amount:
- Agitation
- unusual levels of hyperactivity
- an achy stomach region
- nausea or diarrhea
- more alcohol than normal
If your dog has consumed a lot of theobromine, the symptoms are more severe. These consist of:
- a pounding heart
- seizures, twitching, or tremors
- severe diarrhea or vomiting
- hastily panting
- Feels cozy
What to do if you think your dog has eaten chocolate
If you think your dog may have eaten chocolate, be on the lookout for the signs listed above. Chocolate poisoning symptoms may emerge within an hour, but they often appear between six and twelve hours after consumption. If you are aware that your dog has consumed chocolate, take action right away rather than waiting for symptoms to show.
If you have any worries regarding the health of your dogs, we always advise that you consult a veterinarian. Take the next actions:
- Find the packing if you can. This will reveal how much chocolate they’ve consumed as well as the type. Veterinarians can receive all of these facts.
- Make use of PawSquad. Customers of Direct Line pet insurance will get round-the-clock access to a veterinarian through PawSquad via live chat or video chatting. You can use the service free of charge from the convenience of your own home and get immediate answers to your inquiries from a veterinarian.
- Make a call to your veterinarian. Calling your veterinarian’s office is a good choice if you don’t have access to PawSquad. They’ll want to know what your dog ate, how much they ate, when they ate it, and if they have any symptoms so they can better advise you.
- Observe advice. A veterinarian frequently requests to see your dog. It can be risky to wait around for symptoms to show. The greatest strategy for flushing out toxins is to do so as soon as possible.
How are dogs treated for chocolate poisoning?
A dog will typically be given medication by a veterinarian to induce vomiting after consuming chocolate. To absorb the remaining theobromine and lessen the amount of poisons that enter the bloodstream, activated charcoal may also be administered.
Your dog may spend the day or night at the vet so they may be watched as charcoal can be administered every four to six hours. Additionally, your dog can receive a drip to assist detoxify the body and stabilize fluid and blood circulation. Your dog’s heart rate may be treated with other medications if it is fast or abnormal.
If your dog is shaking or experiencing a seizure, it might be terrifying for the owner. A veterinarian can respond swiftly to treat any poisoning symptoms. Dogs who have consumed chocolate typically recover within a day or two with appropriate treatment.
How to prevent your dog stealing food
Even the most well-behaved dogs might become tempted by the aroma of something appetizing. Here are some useful ways to avoid your dog obtaining food meant for someone else:
- Lock up your food. All food should be kept out of your pet’s reach, whether it be high up or behind a cabinet door. The majority of dogs have been trained to avoid kitchen counters, but they may be cunning when food is involved.
- Bins should be locked. A dog won’t think twice about searching through your trash cans. Make sure no bins are accessible or easily knocked over in the house or garden. Pick a trash can with a tight-fitting lid if your pet is persistent.
- Remind visitors. Not everyone who comes to your house will be accustomed to dogs. Without realizing it, they might leave food out for your dog to find or feed it with their hands, both of which could be dangerous to your pet.
- Be very cautious around Easter and Christmas. Dogs can easily consume leftover wrapped or boxed chocolate, and a trip to the veterinarian around the holidays is the last thing anyone wants. Due to the increased risk of chocolate poisoning in dogs around Christmas and Easter, take extra precaution to store any edible items securely:
Unfortunately, dogs shouldn’t merely avoid foods that include chocolate. Giving our pets the same food we eat is not something we should do lightly. The following foods are potentially toxic:
Does one M&M harm a dog?
Each dog owner has a secret fear that one day they would discover that their beloved canine couldn’t resist the chocolate goodies on the kitchen counter. The following information regarding chocolate and dogs could save your life.
The Science Behind Dogs Eating Chocolate
- Theobromine and caffeine are the poisonous components of chocolate. So please don’t give Fido a mocha coffee! When you next use the drive-through at Starbucks, stick with the Puppuccino.
- At modest dosages, chocolate can produce agitation, vomiting, and diarrhea. Unsettling effects including cardiac arrhythmia and seizures can be brought on by high doses.
- Your dog may not begin to exhibit symptoms for up to 6 hours following their sinful indulgence.
- The kind of chocolate is crucial. For instance, dark chocolate has twice as much poison as milk chocolate. Bakers chocolate is three times as poisonous as dark chocolate, making it considerably more lethal.
What occurs when a dog consumes a grape?
While grapes, raisins, and currants are popular and nutritious snacks for humans, they can lead to kidney failure in dogs. Compared to grapes and currants, raisins are frequently combined with other foods, which could increase the risk of exposure. The toxicity issue is unchanged.
What types of grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs?
Ingestion of seeded or seedless grapes, commercial or homemade grapes, red or green grapes or raisins, organic or non-organic, and grape pressings from wineries have all resulted in poisoning in dogs. Foods like raisin bran cereal, trail mix, granola mix, and baked goods that contain grapes, raisins, and currants all have the potential to be poisonous. Wine, grape juice, and grape jellies don’t seem to pose a toxicity risk.
What isthetoxicdose?
Unfortunately, none of these fruits have a known toxic dose, however there are two guidelines to follow: 1) If dogs consume big amounts of fruit, they are more likely to become poisoned; and 2) Dogs seem to have ‘individual’ sensitivity. Some dogs seem to be able to tolerate a few grapes or raisins. There is no way to determine which canines may be more sensitive at this time.
Why are raisins,grapes,andcurrantstoxic?
It is yet unknown what makes these fruits poisonous. It has been debated over the years whether the toxicity could be caused by a mycotoxin (a poisonous substance made by a fungus or mold) or a salicylate (drug similar to aspirin) that may be naturally present in the grape and cause a reduction in blood flow to the kidneys. Tartaric acid has lately been proposed as a potential culprit. However, no particular hazardous substance has been distinctly identified as of yet. Since the cause of these fruits’ toxicity is still unknown, any exposure should raise possible safety concerns.
What should I do if my dog eats grapes or raisons?
Contact your veterinarian, the Pet Poison Helpline, or a poison control center right once if you think your pet may have consumed one of these fruits. It is best to avoid taking any chances with your dog’s health because there are still a lot of unanswered questions around this poisoning. The sooner the poisoning is identified and treated, like with any toxin, the less harmful it will be for your pet and the more reasonably priced the treatment will be for you.
What are the symptoms ofgrapeorraisintoxicity?
Vomiting is the most typical early sign of grape or raisin intoxication. it is often noticed within 24 hours of ingesting. Within the following 12 to 24 hours, it’s possible to experience a lack of appetite, sleepiness, and even diarrhea. 24-48 hours after ingestion—often after acute renal injury has started—more severe symptoms do not manifest. Acute kidney failure symptoms include nausea, anorexia, vomiting, uremic breath (which smells like ammonia), diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and excessive thirst and urination. The kidneys will stop working as the poisoning worsens, and the dog might not be able to generate urine. Following this, the dog’s blood pressure frequently rises sharply. A buildup of toxins that the kidneys typically remove from the body through urine may cause the dog to fall into a coma. The prognosis is bad once the kidneys have shut down and urine output has decreased.
How is grape/raisinpoisoningdiagnosed?
Unfortunately, grape or raisin poisoning has vague symptoms, and the early warning indications can resemble a variety of conditions, even a simple dietary error (eating foods that should not be eaten). Similar symptoms to renal failure from other sources are more severe. If the dog has consumed grapes, raisins, or currants in the past or if there are grape or raisin fragments in the dog’s vomit, your veterinarian will make the diagnosis of this poisoning.
To determine the degree of kidney injury, your veterinarian could also advise diagnostic procedures such a complete blood count (CBC), serum biochemistry profile, and urine. The findings of the test will be used to estimate the dog’s chance of recovery.
How is this poisoning treated?
The purpose of treatment is to stop the poisons from being absorbed and stop or lessen kidney damage.
The best course of action is to immediately disinfect the dog by producing vomiting and giving it activated charcoal. This aids in preventing the toxin’s absorption from the stomach or intestines. Inducing vomiting is crucial because grapes and raisins remain in the stomach for a lengthy period of time (even up to 4-6 hours after ingestion). After decontamination, further care, maybe including intensive intravenous fluids to nourish and preserve the kidneys in an effort to limit renal damage, may be required. Additionally, medications that help maintain blood flow to the kidneys, manage blood pressure, and treat nausea or vomiting may be given.
The purpose of treatment is to avoid or minimize damage to the kidneys and block toxin absorption.
In the ideal scenario, dogs should be kept in a hospital on intravenous fluids for 48 hours after ingesting. Animals that are ill may need to stay in the hospital for a few days. Your dog’s kidney function will be observed while receiving treatment by your veterinarian. Blood tests may be repeated one to two days after returning home. To ensure that kidney function levels have not risen, do this.
What is the prognosis followingpoisoning fromgrapesorraisins?
The severity of the ingestion, how quickly the patient was decontaminated, whether or not the patient has already experienced kidney failure, how quickly treatment was started, and whether or not the clinical signs and kidney function levels have improved since treatment started all affect the prognosis. The prognosis is great if a dog just had a few grapes or raisins (depending on the size of the dog) and received prompt treatment. The prognosis is poor and death is likely if the kidneys are destroyed and no urine is generated. The kidneys’ capacity for self-regeneration and repair is quite limited. They will no longer perform as well as they did prior to the episode once they have been injured. When in doubt, get medical help straight away by getting guidance from your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline. The prognosis for your dog will be determined by your veterinarian based on the symptoms, the specific circumstances, and the response to therapy.
How canIpreventthisproblem?
Keep any foods containing grapes, raisins, currants, or other fruits out of your pets’ reach. Never give your dog any food that might include raisins or grapes, and never give your dog grapes as rewards. Even while most dogs won’t have an issue with one grape, it is best to avoid this habit and run the danger of poisoning.
What other common foods aretoxictodogs?
Those that are fattening or include the sugar alcohol sweetener xylitol, as well as foods including onions, garlic, alcohol, chocolate, cocoa, and macadamia nuts, can all be deadly.
Are other animals atrisk?
Dogs are the only animals where grape and raisin poisoning has been linked to a problem. Avoid offering grapes and raisins to your dog or any other pet because there are still a lot of unanswered questions around this poisoning.
