Chocolate chip cookies, chocolate candy bars, etc. are one of the most lethal substances a dog can ingest. Dogs love chocolate and once they have had it, even just a small amount, will begin to develop a craving for it no different from us humans! Most dogs have a sweet tooth and this is a perilous scenario when it comes to chocolate as they will seek it out if they smell it around the house, knowing that it is a treat that they have enjoyed before.
Chocolate contains a natural occurring stimulant called theobromine found in the cocoa bean plant that makes chocolate. Theobromine is the poison as it affects the central nervous system, as well as the heart of the dog, throwing their system into panic which often manifests in the form of epileptic seizures.
Poison by chocolate can occur quickly if your dog had a large amount, but sometimes even small amounts will show signs of poisoning within a few short hours. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhoea, restlessness and hyperactivity. Symptoms will progressively get worse from restlessness to arrhythmia and other muscle twitching. Frequent urination is common, a direct side effect of the toxin in chocolate.
To treat the dog of poisoning, first induce the vomiting. After that administer the charcoal. The sooner the dog ingests the charcoal, the sooner it will deactivate the dangerous effects of the poison.
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