Halloween is a fun holiday, and here's a shameless FIDO plug for the Howl o Ween party on Saturday, October 27th form 12 - 3 PM at the DogPark. Hope to see you there!
As always, Chocolate is not good for your dog (and cat). You may have been told this by your veterinarian, but the reason why is not always communicated. So, here's why: (I took the scientific explanation from http://chemistry.about.com/library/weekly/aa090301a.htm.
Quote:
Cocoa and chocolate products may be toxic or lethal to dogs and other domestic animals such as horses because these animals metabolize theobromine more slowly than humans. The heart, central nervous system, and kidneys are affected. Early signs of theobromine poisoning in dogs include nausea and vomiting, restlessness, diarrhea, muscle tremors, and increased urination or incontinence. The treatment at this stage is to induce vomiting. Cardiac arrhythmias and seizures are symptoms of more advanced poisoning.
Different types of chocolate contain different amounts of theobromine. In general, theobromine levels are higher in dark chocolates (approximately 10 g/kg) than in milk chocolates (1-5 g/kg). Higher quality chocolate tends to contain more theobromine than lower quality chocolate. Cocoa beans naturally contain approximately 300-1200 mg/ounce theobromine (note how variable this is!).
End quote.
Some facts:
Toxic doses of theobromine is 9 mg per pound of dog for mild signs, up to 18 mg per pound of dog for severe signs. (From www.vin.com)
One 1.55 oz Hershey's Milk chocolate bar contains 74 mg of theobromine.
*these figures are taken from www.hersheys.com*
So what?!
Here's why I gave you these numbers:
My dog, Ein, is about 90 lbs. Her lethal dose of theobromine is 9 mg X 90 lbs = 810 mg (roughly 11 Milk Chocolate or 4 Special Dark bars) to 18 mg X 90 lbs = 1620 mg (22 Milk Chocolate or 9 Special Dark bark).
What happens if your pet eats chocolate?
You could see nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures, heart arrhythmias or death.
What do you do if your pet eats chocolate?
Call your vet or your nearest veterinary emergency center.
Tell them:
What kind of chocolate your dog ate
What volume of chocolate your dog ate (an estimate is ok)
How long ago your dog ate the chocolate
They will direct you on how to care for your pet.
Happy Halloween!
