Donald J. Perrine, DVM, of Mesa Verde Veterinary Hospital in Mesa, Arizona, offers this important information to pet owners about the potential hazards of chocolate. With Halloween and the holiday season quickly approaching, pet owners should be aware of the potential and seriousness of chocolate poisoning in their pets. Chocolate is a very palatable treat not only to children, but also to your pet. Besides being very tasty, chocolate contains two toxins that could be potentially lethal to your pet. Theobromine and caffeine are the primary toxins contained in chocolate.
Bakers chocolate or two ounces of milk chocolate per kilogram of body weight can be lethal to a dog.
Call your veterinarian immediately. He or she may advise that you Holiday Hazards Chocolate and Your Pet induce vomiting to eliminate some of the chocolate before it s digested prior to coming to the hospital. Once you have arrived at the hospital, your veterinarian may recommend bloodwork and an EKG to diagnose life-threatening complications. Treatment is aimed at eliminating the toxin from the body and correcting any effects the toxin has had on your pet. If your pet does need to see the doctor, bring along the package of chocolate and an estimate of how much your pet ate.