Face it, many cats and dogs love chocolate. And, because we love chocolate too, we have probably contributed to our pets' taste for this treat. But for cats and dogs, this 'treat' can be deadly.
A higher proportion of cases presented would be around the holidays such as Christmas, New Year, Valentine’s Day and Easter – but can occur at anytime.
Many pet owners are unaware of the risks to pets from eating chocolate. Chocolate contains methylxanthine alkaloids of which theobromide and caffeine are the primary components. The ingredient called Theobromide dogs and cats cannot metabolise. It acts as a poison in their system and if enough chocolate is consumed your pet may die.
A Lethal dosage is 7 grams baking chocolate or 60 grams milk chocolate per kilogram of bodyweight.
If you think your pet has eaten a large amount of chocolate, especially dark chocolate or baking chocolate, you should take your pet straight to the vet. As the symptoms of chocolate poisoning can appear slowly, don’t be fooled into thinking everything is OK. Early detection and treatment can make a big difference.
Symptoms to look out for are:
Poisoning can progress to seizures and cardiac problems, so it is important to contact your vet as soon as possible. They will probably ask you the size of your dog or cat, the type and quantity of chocolate they have eaten.
So remember NEVER give human chocolate to dogs or cats. If you want them to share your love of chocolate, you can treat them to specially formulated pet chocolate instead. But just like yours, don't forget watch their weight!
Your local Vets4Pets Veterinary Practice can give you further advice on looking after your pet. Please select your nearest practice from the list below.
