If your dog eats chocolate, you should take the following steps immediately:
- Contact a veterinarian or emergency pet poison helpline right away. Provide details about the type of chocolate, amount consumed, and your dog's weight to help assess the risk
- Do not attempt to induce vomiting at home unless instructed by a vet, as this should be done in a controlled environment
- Save any chocolate wrappers or remnants to show your vet, as this helps determine the toxicity level
- Watch for symptoms of chocolate poisoning , which can appear within 2 to 12 hours and may last 12 to 36 hours or longer. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, restlessness, rapid breathing, increased heart rate or irregular rhythm, tremors, seizures, incoordination, and in severe cases, coma
- Veterinary treatment may involve inducing vomiting, stomach lavage, administering activated charcoal to absorb toxins, IV fluids, medications to control heart rate, seizures, and tremors, and supportive care in a hospital setting
- The severity of poisoning depends on the type of chocolate (dark and baking chocolate are more toxic than milk or white chocolate), the amount ingested, and the size of the dog
- Early intervention improves prognosis. Delaying treatment can worsen symptoms and outcome
In summary, if your dog eats chocolate, call your vet immediately and seek professional care without delay. Do not try home remedies. Prompt veterinary treatment is crucial to prevent serious complications or death
