A puppy will eat whatever they can get their paws on. They just don’t know any better, so it is your duty as a dog owner to keep them away from harmful foods. There are tempting human foods that are safe for dogs to consume, but quite a few, especially for pups, are dangerous. One of those very foods is chocolate. But why is chocolate dangerous for your sweet pup? Let’s find out:
Can Puppies Eat Chocolate?
NO! Dogs and especially puppies should not eat chocolate. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs. Humans can easily metabolize theobromine and caffeine, but dogs cannot. Dogs process these components slowly, which allows these toxicities to build up in their systems and cause the clinical signs and even death that result from chocolate poisoning. A dog’s size and how much chocolate he or she eats will influence the severity of the poisoning. Typically, the smaller in size a dog is the more likely they can experience a worse case of chocolate poisoning. Therefore, giving a puppy chocolate is very dangerous.
Chocolate Poisoning Symptoms
Constipation, vomiting, and diarrhea are all common side effects when your dog eats even a little amount of chocolate. If enough chocolate is consumed in relation to the size of the dog, the symptoms may be considerably more severe and even fatal. When dogs ingest large amounts of chocolate, there can be toxic consequences such as:
- Tremors in the muscles and limbs
- Seizures
- Irregular heartbeats
- Agitation/restlessness
- Increased heart rate
Who Should I Call If My Puppy Ate Chocolate?
Pet Poison Helpline® can be reached at (855) 764-7661 if you fear your puppy has been poisoned by chocolate. Chocolate poisoning also needs to be addressed quickly by a medical professional such as your veterinarian. Dogs are more susceptible to chocolate poisoning than a lot of other animals. The sooner you act, the higher the likelihood that your pup will have a full recovery.
Treatment Plan
If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, make an appointment with your veterinarian to determine the extent of the problem. If the veterinarian thinks it is appropriate, they may induce vomiting. A vet may administer IV fluids, anti-diarrhea medications, etc. After some time, you may notice your dog’s hyperactivity. This minor symptom may be the first sign of chocolate poisoning, which may evolve to more severe ones. Chocolate is never a good treat for your pup. While it may be as sweet as they are, there are many other options that are just as delicious and much safer for your dog.