Photo by Jackmac34 via Pixabay, 2022
A few weeks ago, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier called Mal was brought to us as an emergency. Mal had eaten 500 grams of chocolate (naughty boy!). His owner immediately called us and we told her to come straight down.
Our vet, Emily gave him an injection, subcutaneously (under his skin) to make him sick. This injection works pretty quickly and poor Mal started vomiting up a lot of undigested chocolate.
Mal vomiting undigested chocolate after his injection. Photo: Coquet Vets, 2022.
Poisoning with chocolate is due to the methylxanthine content (theobromine and caffeine). The amount of methylxanthine in different types of chocolate varies.
The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more dangerous it is to dogs.
Common clinical signs of chocolate poisoning are:
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Increased thirst
Panting or restlessness
Excessive urination
Racing heart rate
In severe cases, muscle tremors, seizures, and heart failure can be seen.
If you think your pet has eaten chocolate, please call us immediately for advice on 01665 252 250. It is often useful to keep the wrapper with the ingredients on it, as this information will be needed.
We are very pleased to say that Mal has made a full recovery due the quick action of his owner.
