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WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW ABOUT
CHOCOLATE TOXICITY
Theobromine
is the component of chocolate that causes trouble for our pets. Its effects
on the body include:
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Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulation
-
Cardiovascular stimulation
-
Increased blood pressure (mild)
-
Nausea and vomiting
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Signs of toxicity depend on the amount ingested. They are most commonly seen
12 hours or less after chocolate ingestion and include:
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Excitement / nervousness / trembling
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Vomiting / diarrhea
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Excessive thirst and/or urination
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Muscle spasms
-
Seizures
-
Coma
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Death -- likely
due to heart rhythm abnormalities
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As little as 1
oz of milk chocolate per pound of pet can be lethal!
The toxicity is even greater for
other types of chocolate, as seen in the table at right.
|
Theobromine Content of
Typical Chocolate Products |
mg/oz. |
|
Dry
cocoa powder |
737 |
|
Cocoa
beans |
600 |
|
Baker’s (unsweetened) chocolate |
393 |
| Cocoa
bean hulls (garden mulch) |
255 |
|
Semi-sweet chocolate chips |
138 |
|
Instant cocoa powder |
136 |
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Dark,
sweet chocolate |
130
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|
Milk
chocolate |
58 |
|
White
chocolate |
0.25 |
 The
bottom line is that your pet is much safer avoiding chocolate
altogether. Keep your candy locked in the cupboard to keep your pet out of
harm's way.
If, despite your
best efforts, your pet does ingest more than a crumb of chocolate, call your
veterinarian immediately so steps can be taken to minimize the danger of
toxicity.
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