Our Maine Street's Aroostook Issue 6 : Fall 2010 | Page 53
County Critters
with Dr. Terri McQuade
Chocolate and your Pets
With the onset of fall, the holidays are rapidly
approaching. October brings Halloween followed shortly by
Thanksgiving and Christmas, and finally New Years. This is
a time of celebration but too much celebration can harm our
pets.
During the holiday season we have many calls from frantic
owners because their dog or cat has ingested chocolate that was
meant for the family and friends, (the human ones!) . We have
all heard that chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats, but how much
chocolate is dangerous?
Chocolate toxicosis is more common in dogs but is a potential
problem for any species. Keep candy out of pets reach and don’t
let pets in the kitchen unsupervised. Never feed a dog chocolate
because the dog may develop a taste for it and subsequently seek
it out.
Chocolate contains theobiomine and caffeine. The amount
depends on the type of chocolate. In general, the less sweet it is,
the more toxic it can be. Unsweetened baking chocolate contains
seven times more theobiomine than milk chocolate, which is
why a dog can eat an occasional piece and not get sick.
163 Van Buren Road, Caribou, Maine
www.carymedicalcenter.org
207.498.3111
an equal opportunity provider
Cormier Cabinetry
Type of chocolate
Toxic dose for a 60 pound dog
milk chocolate
60 ounces
semi-sweet chocolate 18 ounces
baking chocolate
6 ounces
Clinical signs of chocolate toxicosis include: vomiting,
diarrhea, hyperactivity, increased heart rate, heart arrhythmias,
seizures and even death. Some of these signs can be seen with
ingestion of as little as 0.25 ounces of baking chocolate in a 10
pound dog.
If you suspect your pet has ingested chocolate, contact your
veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Be
sure to relay what kind of chocolate, and how much was eaten,
and how much the animal weighs.
In chocolate toxicosis vomiting may be induced, stomach
pumping and activated charcoal may be given to decrease
absorption. Fluids may be administered and general supportive
care may be given in the hospital.
If your pet has eaten a small amount of milk chocolate, don’t
panic. There is very little actual chocolate present. Call your
veterinarian for advice. It is always better to be safe than sorry,
so keep that chocolate away from your pets.
www.mainesolarandwindllc.com
[email protected]
Phone: 207-834-2651
Cell: 207-540-6669
FALL 2010 County Critters 51