Page 4 - Hobe Sound Reflections - February '24

Page 4, Hobe Sound

Tip Of The Tail

Chocolate Toxicity as caffeine. Both chemicals can act as a heart stimulant Treatment will vary on the amount and type ingested,

and blood vessel dilator, but dogs aren’t able to metabolize as well as current symptoms. Your veterinarian may
them as well as people do. Although rarely fatal, dogs are induce vomiting or implement other treatments to
more sensitive to the chemical’s effects and ingestion can decontaminate the effects of theobromine and caffeine.
cause illness. The toxic amount varies with the type of The goal of this is to mitigate the continued resorption
chocolate. The darker or more bitter chocolates, including and recirculation of the chemicals. It may be necessary
baking chocolates, are the most dangerous. For example, to provide additional supportive treatments such as
a medium sized dog weighing 50 pounds would only need intravenous fluid therapy to stabilize your pet and promote
to eat one ounce of baker’s chocolate to potentially show excretion of the chemicals as well as medications to treat
signs of toxicity. Despite milk and white chocolate not tremors or seizures. All dogs ingesting a toxic amount
having as much theobromine per ounce, dogs can still of chocolate should be closely monitored for any signs
become ill from the fat and the sugar content in each. of vomiting, diarrhea, tachycardia (or high heart rate) or
Dogs that have sensitive stomachs are more susceptible agitation/restlessness. Most dogs with chocolate toxicity
While delicious for us, those yummy chocolate treats to those ill effects. In severe cases, ingestion of enough carry a good prognosis if treated appropriately. If your
can cause serious illness in our canine companions. milk or white chocolate can even cause pancreatitis. dog has ingested a potentially toxic amount of chocolate,
Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, as well Symptoms of chocolate toxicity vary depending on contact your veterinarian immediately.
the amount and type ingested. As mentioned above, Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center
many dogs will develop vomiting or diarrhea. However, is dedicated to providing the best possible care for your
Advertise, it is common to have an increased heart rate or increased pets. With focuses on compassionate care in surgery,
Check out our website! thirst and urination as well. In severe cases, symptoms physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative medicine,
can include muscle tremors and seizures. These symptoms
extensive diagnostics, and emergency service, Palm City
www.seabreezepublications.com can take up to several hours to develop but oftentimes Animal Medical Center combines exceptional medical
they can be lessened by immediate care by a veterinarian,
care with a caring philosophy for pets and their owners.
or call (561) 746-3244 therefore it is important to contact your veterinarian as For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit www.
soon as possible if your dog has ingested a potentially palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on Facebook
poisonous amount of chocolate. at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.

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