Easter is nearly here and we can almost taste all that delicious chocolate in the form of eggs, bunnies and bars! We’re excited – are you?!
It’s a wonderful time of year where no one blames you for being decadent but chocolate is a notorious toxin to our pets so they shouldn’t be given the chance to dig into that stash you have hidden away.
Here’s what to do should your clever pooch manage to find that stash and end up with a case of chocolate poisoning:
1. SIGNS THAT YOUR POOCH HAS BITTEN OFF MORE THAN HE CAN CHEW:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Increased body temperature
- Increased reflex responses
- Muscle rigidity
- Rapid breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Seizures
- Advanced signs (cardiac failure, weakness, and coma)
2. TAKE NOTE OF THE TYPE AND AMOUNT OF CHOCOLATE CONSUMED:
MILK CHOCOLATE –
Mild toxicity – 40 grams consumed per kilo.
Severe toxicity – 115 grams consumed per kilo.
SEMI SWEET CHOCOLATE –
Mild toxicity – 18 grams consumed per kilo .
Severe toxicity – 60 grams consumed per kilo.
BAKING CHOCOLATE (Highest toxicity) –
Sever toxicity – can occur from just 6 grams consumed per kilo.
3. GET THEM TO THE VET IMMEDIATELY
- Call your Veterinarian immediately to notify them that you are coming and ask what care you can start before arriving.
- Make sure your dog is kept calm and quiet.
- Your Veterinarian will complete a thorough examination of your pet, which includes blood analysis, electrolyte panel and urinalysis to determine the level of toxicity.
- Your pet will be kept on fluids to hydrate them. During several days after the incident their diet should also be kept bland, for example rice and chicken.
Please note, there is no antidote to the toxicity of chocolate so it is very important to keep any goodies this Easter out of paw’s reach. Even dried fruit can make our fur friends very sick so please count hot cross buns off your pet’s menu as well.
If you suspect your fur friend has had a good mouthful or more please contact Pet Doctors on 5576 0400.
