How To Treat Dogs That Have Feasted On Chocolates
Dogs have become very important pets because of the difference they make to people's way of life. This is why dog owners would do anything to safeguard the well being of the pet. A dog owner would never intentionally harm the pet but there are situations where the owner can put the life of the pet at risk. It is not uncommon for dog owners to share whatever food they are eating with the pet unknowing that the human-safe food cannot be tolerated by the dog. People love chocolates thus the pet would develop a liking for this food too.
A bite of chocolate given to the pet every now and then will make the dog develop a taste for this yummy food. Chocolates must never be given to dogs because it contain the substance Theobromine which is poisonous to dogs. Theobromine, a chemical contained by chocolates cannot be metabolized by dogs. Poisoning will occur if dogs ingests high levels of Theobromine. The first sign of chocolate poisoning is abdominal pain. The dog will then vomit bits of chocolates. Oftentimes, the vomit of a poisoned dog will be bloody and would have a chocolaty smell. Dogs poisoned by chocolates would have a wobbling gait as this human food has an intoxicating effect in dogs. The dog will have blue tinged gums and salivate excessively. Dogs that convulse can die.
Just like any other kind of poisoning, dogs that are poisoned by chocolates would need urgent treatment because there is no specific antidote for Theobromine. Treatment is imperative more so if the dog is already seizing. Chocolate poisoning has killed about 50% of the poisoned dogs. What can an owner do to help a dog that has eaten chocolates?
If the pet is not yet vomiting, vomiting must be induced especially if the kind of chocolate as well as the amount ingested is unknown. Apomorphine, hydrogen peroxide, Syrup of Ipecac or table salt dissolved in water can be used to induce the dog to vomit. Anti vomiting drugs are given to dogs that are repeatedly vomiting.
Activated charcoal and other intestinal absorbents must only be given after the vomiting of the dog was controlled. Intestinal absorbents must be administered as Theobromine that was already deactivated by the liver can be reactivated if reabsorbed by the intestines. Anticonvulsant medications must be given to dogs showing neurological signs. Dogs poisoned by chocolates also receive oxygen therapy, fluid therapy and medications that are administered intravenously.
