Oreos are a fun and delicious treat! Served with a cold glass of milk, and you have one of the best snacks of all time! It can be tempting to share our favorite treats with our pets; however, Oreos contain several ingredients that are not safe for pets to eat- so it is best to save this snack for yourself!  
 
If your pup got their paws on a single Oreo, it is unlikely they will experience any severe clinical signs. However, any time a pet has ingested something that could be poisonous, you should contact your veterinarian to make sure they are okay and keep an eye on them for changes in behavior.

What if my dog ate more than a few Oreos?

Depending on your dog’s age, weight, and preexisting health conditions, the number of Oreos they eat can cause more severe reactions. Dogs who ate one Oreo are likely to experience no clinical signs at all, whereas dogs who ate a larger quantity of Oreos may experience an upset stomach, pancreatitis, and chocolate poisoning. 

How will I know if my dog is experiencing chocolate poisoning?

While Oreos are relatively low in chocolate, chocolate poisoning is considered an emergency and you should seek treatment right away. Clinical signs of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, an abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, and in rare cases, death.

Treatment

If your dog is acting different or exhibiting any chocolate poisoning signs, call your vet right away. The first step is to induce vomiting and possibly give activated charcoal for decontamination. If needed, your pet may be given sedatives to relieve stress and anxiety. It is also likely that they will be given IV fluids to help with toxin excretion.

In more serious cases, additional steps will be taken including administration of heart medications to reduce heart rate and blood pressure, anticonvulsants for seizures, and antacids (such as Pepcid) for stomach discomfort and diarrhea.

Prognosis

In cases where a dog has eaten one Oreo, it is likely they will experience little to no issues (such as a mild stomach upset).

Pets who have eaten a few Oreos or are exhibiting mild signs of chocolate poisoning are more likely to experience stomach upset or restlessness, but overall have an excellent prognosis.

Pets showing more serious signs of chocolate poisoning (such as collapse or seizures) often have a poor prognosis.