Keep Halloween Chocolate Away from Your Dog
October is the time for scary movies, haunted houses, and trick or treaters. Halloween is a fun time for the kids to get as much candy as they can muster, but this does not go for dogs. Chocolate and candy are incredibly harmful to dogs. If consumed, chocolate can potentially be fatal to your furry friend. Chocolate is especially dangerous for your dog because of the way it interacts with your dog’s body.
Watch your dog closely this Halloween.
The Danger of Chocolate
Chocolate and cocoa products contain a toxin called theobromine. Theobromine levels vary from types of chocolate. Dark chocolate, cocoa, and cooking chocolate have the highest levels. Only a small amount of these chocolates would be harmful to a little dog. White chocolate and milk chocolate have the lowest amounts of Theobromine. Humans’ metabolism processes theobromine fast, so it doesn’t become a threat. However, dogs process this toxin much slower, so their bodies have time to build-up an unhealthy amount.
Of course, there are many factors to consider when your dog eats chocolate. The size of your dog and the amount of chocolate consumed are the most important. A large dog can handle a small amount, but we recommend never to give your dogs chocolate. Even small amounts could cause problems. They can experience stomach aches, vomiting, or diarrhea. Keep a close eye on your dog when chocolate is in the home.
If your dog has consumed chocolate, then you will want to prompt them to vomit within two hours after eating the chocolate. You can do this by making them drink approximately two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide. This will help remove the chocolate from their system and keep them from processing theobromine. If your dog has eaten a large quantity of chocolate, then call a veterinarian immediately.
If you want to learn more about what you can do to benefit your dog, then visit our website for the number of services we provide. You may also call us with any questions you may have at (281) 835-4445. Remember to keep a close eye on your dog this Halloween. You wouldn’t want a real scare on the night of tricks and treats.