Symptoms of Chocolate Poisoning in Your Dog

Puppies are known for getting into everything but sometimes they get into things that can be extremely dangerous to them such as chocolate. Chocolate is very poisonous to dogs and even a small amount could kill a dog. Chocolate has varying degrees of toxicity to different dogs. Just because one of your dogs has eaten a piece of chocolate without any problems does not mean your other dog will not have a problem with it.

Different types of chocolate are worse on dogs than others. Baker's Chocolate is much worse on a dog than milk chocolate, though this does not mean milk chocolate is safer! Many websites state that levels become very toxic when one ounce is eaten per pound of dog. You should always call your veterinarian though because different dogs will be able to handle this much chocolate while others will not.

There are symptoms to watch out for if your dog gets into your chocolate stash.

First, you may see the bag that they got into. Often a dog will leave tell-tale signs that they have been into something they shouldn't have though sometimes they will not only eat the chocolate but the wrapper it was in. Then you have to watch your dog for not only the signs of a fatal chocolate overdose but also make sure they pass the wrapper the chocolate came in. Finding the wrapper or package the chocolate came in will give

The first symptoms to look for if your dog eats chocolate are throwing up, diarrhea and hyperactivity. A dog, who has just ate some chocolate, will get a "high" just as you would if you drink a very large amount of caffeine. They will be running around and unable to calm down just like a jittery person who has drank to much coffee that morning. They may even twitch when they do try to calm down. This can be scary if you are watching your beloved dog and they cannot sit still for even a few minutes at a time.

Your dog may also begin throwing up, having diarrhea, or urinating often as the chocolate disrupts their system. This can actually be good because it can mean that they are getting rid of the chocolate.

More severe symptoms include seizures and coma which could lead to death. The seizures can be brought on because the toxicity of the chocolate causes the dog's heart rate to increase.

Calling your veterinarian immediately is important. Your vet may ask you to bring your dog in or ask you to just keep an eye on them. If you are told that their symptoms are not severe, or the amount they ate is not life threatening, then just try to keep them as safe and comfortable as possible. You may have to take them outside often if they are urinating often or having diarrhea. You may have to clean up after them if they are throwing up. If they are hyperactive then just try to keep them as calm as you can, which may not be very possible. Their heart rate will be up so not playing hard with them will help keep it as low as possible.

Chocolate poisoning of dogs is very serious and keeping your treats away from your dog can save his or her life.