Taking Care Of My Animals

Posted on: 13 October 2018

As much as you and others in your household may love chocolate, it's a very dangerous food for your pets to consume. Even a small amount by accident can be harmful, especially for a small animal, so you need to be extremely cautious with this extremely yummy treat, particularly if you have children in the home who also love delving into dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and other derivatives of the cocoa bean.

Why Chocolate Is So Dangerous To Pets

Despite its delectable flavor, chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, a potentially deadly combination for a dog or cat. Their bodies simply can't handle this chemical combo, with certain types of chocolate being worse than others and the weight of the animal, along with amount ingested, factoring into the eventual health and recovery of the animal following the consumption of chocolate. 

Higher concentrations of the caffeine and theobromine are found in cocoa powder and baker's chocolate, although you still don't want to take any chances by feeding an animal in your home any type, such as milk or dark chocolate.

Ways Your Dog Or Cat Might Get Hold Of Forbidden Sweets

Even if you faithfully resist feeding your pet any human treat that may be dangerous to them, they could easily get their little paws on chocolate behind your back. Be wary of the different ways a pet could become privy to your sweetest treats, and be vigilant against your cat or dog devouring this danger:

• Busy and exciting Halloween nights, where kids and parents are attentive to many things, but not really watching the pets.
• Valentine's Day, when you might leave the heart-shaped box of chocolates from your secret admirer on the counter where a dog or cat could sneak into it.
• Smaller kids enjoying candy, who aren't aware of the dangers it poses to pets, could inadvertently feed chocolate to an animal.
• Outside walks, when your dog encounters a sweet treat dropped on the sidewalk.
• Any holiday or celebration where many goodies are hanging around, but the attention of the adults may be preoccupied with a turkey dinner or visiting relatives.

Although you can't conceivably monitor your pet 'round the clock, day in and day out, you should be in the habit of watching candy, especially chocolate, when it comes into your home and when it's enjoyed. Also, teach your kids from an early age that some human foods (even the most delicious) are never to be fed to the pets.

The Unfortunate Symptoms Of Chocolate Poisoning In Pets

If you catch your pet in the act of eating chocolate, do whatever you can to get it out of the animal's mouth, thereby minimizing the amount consumed. If you notice your dog or cat exhibiting signs of illness and there's evidence of a chocolate incident nearby, it's logical for you to connect the sickness and candy. You might see a variety of symptoms and should take note of all of them:

• Vomiting.
• Loose and frequent stools.
• Labored breathing and general distress.
• Fever.
• Muscle tension.
• Elevated heart rate and other cardiac complications.
• Eventual seizure activity and possibly coma.

Even if you only suspect chocolate poisoning in your pet, assume the worst, so that the most extreme measures of remedy will be taken. If it turns out to be something else, you've still covered all your bases in a medically reasonable manner.

What To Do When You Know Your Four-Legged Friend Is In Trouble

Immediately contact your local animal hospital and inform them of the potential emergency with your cat or dog. Transport your pet to the vet as soon as possible, where they may induce vomiting, along with tested your pet's blood for concentrations of theobromine. A urinalysis could be in order, too, so try not to let your pooch pee along the way if possible. 

If your pet shows no ill signs and you're certain they've eaten chocolate, the animal hospital may suggest observation, especially if your pet is large (like a Lab or other big breed) and if the amount consumed is negligible. No matter what, though, get in touch with your local pet hospital and obtain their professional recommendation. Your pet is too important to your family, and you'd never want to leave them in jeopardy.