Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which can cause your pet to become extremely ill. At Minnesota Veterinary Hospital, we recommend not sharing any amount of chocolate with your pet. This is true even if it has only trace amounts of these harmful ingredients. It's also essential to keep your chocolate treats out of your pet's reach so he doesn't help himself.
Other Types of Chocolate Toxic to Pets
The toxic ingredients of baking chocolate and cocoa beans are more concentrated than the typical candy bar and thus present a greater poisoning risk. White chocolate and milk sit at the lower end of the scale for toxic reactions. However, it isn't just chocolate foods that you have to worry about with dogs and cats. Although we're still in the coldest part of winter in Bloomington, Minnesota and the surrounding communities, gardening season will be here eventually. If you use cocoa mulch, be aware that it produces a highly attractive aroma for pets and you should store it out of reach of your dog or cat.
The toxic ingredients of baking chocolate and cocoa beans are more concentrated than the typical candy bar and thus present a greater poisoning risk. White chocolate and milk sit at the lower end of the scale for toxic reactions. However, it isn't just chocolate foods that you have to worry about with dogs and cats. Although we're still in the coldest part of winter in Bloomington, Minnesota and the surrounding communities, gardening season will be here eventually. If you use cocoa mulch, be aware that it produces a highly attractive aroma for pets and you should store it out of reach of your dog or cat.
Symptoms of Chocolate Toxicity in Companion Animals
A pet who has her heart set on your candy bar could grab it out of your hand or eat a wrapper from the garbage. She could also consume a whole piece of chocolate while your attention is elsewhere for just a few seconds. If you think that your pet could have eaten chocolate, watch her closely for these symptoms:
A pet who has her heart set on your candy bar could grab it out of your hand or eat a wrapper from the garbage. She could also consume a whole piece of chocolate while your attention is elsewhere for just a few seconds. If you think that your pet could have eaten chocolate, watch her closely for these symptoms:
- Unusually high or low heart rhythm
- Panting excessively
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Hyperactivity
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Drinking more than usual
- Increased urination
- Muscle twitching
- Tremors
Severe cases of chocolate poisoning can cause seizures and death. This is more likely in puppies, kittens, animals with chronic health conditions, and geriatric pets. We encourage you to contact Minnesota Veterinary Hospital at 651-484-3331 to request an immediate evaluation if you notice these symptoms. After hours, contact the Animal Emergency & Referral Service of Minnesota in St. Paul at 651-291-1337 or Oakdale at 651-501-3763. Depending on your pet's symptoms, treatment could include medications for stomach pain and diarrhea, anti-convulsants, heart medication, IV fluids, or attempting to induce vomiting.
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