Keep in mind, with anypoisoning, it's always cheaper, less invasive, and has a better prognosis/outcome if you treat early. If yourdoghas already developed clinical signs associated withchocolatetoxicity, the veterinarian visit may be more expensive, and the outcome may be worse.
Panicking because yourdogatechocolate? Here's what you need to do right now—plus a toxicity calculator, symptoms to watch for, and treatment options.
The level of risk depends on yourdog'ssize and thechocolateamount and type ingested.Peanutbutteritself is generally safe fordogsin small amounts unless it contains xylitol, a sugar substitute that's toxic todogs. Monitor yourdogclosely; symptoms ofchocolatetoxicity can include vomiting, increased heart rate, or seizures.
Toxic foods fordogsincludechocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, and the sweetener xylitol (birch sugar). These items can cause severe health issues ranging from digestive upset to organ failure. Keeping adogfood safety list is essential to prevent accidentalpoisoningfrom common human household staples.
The outcome ofchocolatetoxicity depends on the amount and type ingested, thedog'sweight and how promptly treatment was initiated. Delaying treatment from the time adogeatschocolatecan worsen the associated clinical signs and prognosis. Darker and more bitterchocolatesare more toxic todogs, but all forms ofchocolatecarry some risks.
Chocolateis made from the fermented, dried then roasted beans of Theobroma cacao (Figure 1). After roasting, the shell is removed, and the remaining nibs are ground to cocoa mass which is liquefied to producechocolateliquor. This can then be processed into cocoa solids and cocoabutter. Cocoa nibs (cacao nibs) are roasted, cracked deshelled beans in broken pieces.
