The Major Causes of Chocolate Poisioning in Dogs
To understand and also treat chocolate poisioning in pet dogs, pet owners need to have knowledge of the underlying root causes of chocolate poisioning in dogs. This will enable a pet dog owner protect against chocolate poisioning developing in the first place or in the future.
The reason choclate is toxic to dogs is because it contains caffiene and a chemical called theobromine. Dogs are not able to metabolize theobromine and caffeine like us humans can. Hence, they are more sensitive to the effects of these chemicals.
How much chocolate is poisonous to a dog? It depends on the amount ingested and the size of the dog. For example, a medium-sized dog weighing 22 kgs would only need to eat 28 grams of baker's chocolate or 255 grams of milk chocolate, to potentially get chocolate poisoning. For a lot of dogs, eating low amounts of milk chocolate will not be harmful.
Your pet’s health – How to keep an eye on it?
Pay attention to your dog’s attitude – You can find out many things by monitoring the dog’s demeanor including how he or she is physically feeling. You’ll need to make sure his health is gradually improving and responding to treatment. For instance, your dog should begin to wag his tail , pay attention to you and get up to greet you. If he perks up and starts asking for food, then that is good sign to indicate he she is getting better.
On the other hand, if you notice your pet is becoming less interactive or just lying still, he or she may be getting worse and need medical attention.
Track how often your dog vomits – If you notice your dog is not drinking or vomiting, then you have to make sure your fur baby does not become dehydrated.
If your pet vomits, then withhold food for 12 to 24 hours, but keep offering water. If he or she is unable to keep fluids down either, call the animal hospital straight away.
When you call the animal hospital, inform your vet how many times in a specific span of time your dog has vomited. However, if your dog vomited just once and resumed eating and drinking again, it’s probably no cause for alarm.
Look for diarrhea – If you think, then you’ll have to follow your pet into the yard to see what he pr she eliminates. if you notice large volumes of watery diarrhea then get in touch with the vet.
If you see blood his or her stools, your fur baby may need intensive supportive care like intravenous fluids.
If you observe your dog has a little diarrhea, be sure to give lots of fluid. Ensure that your dog is receiving more fluid than he or she is losing.
Notice signs of dehydration –Check the gums of your pet, which should be pink and moist. If you observe them to be dry feeling, it is possible your pet may be dehydrated.
Another to check if you dog is hydrated is to lift up the scruff of your pet’s neck and let it drop. If your dog is hydrated, it should immediately return to the original position. If your pet is dehydrated, the skin will slowly fall back over the course of a few seconds, rather than snap back. Usually dehydration in a sick dog is a cause for concern, so it is a good idea to take your dog to the vet clinic.
If you see your pet is dehydrated, try offering some form of fluids. If he or she takes them, continue to watch for dehydration. Howeveryou’re your dog can’t keep fluids down, seek medical care urgently. To prevent any damage to organ, your pet may need medication of intravenous fluids.
Watch your dog’s breathing – It is good to watch the breathing pattern of your dog and it can tell a dog owner tell you a lot about how your pet feeling. If your dog is in pain or suffering from some form illness, he may breathe heavily or pant.
In most circumstances, coughing and heavy breathing are symptoms of a chest infection. You should also keep an eye on your pet’s gums if his breathing causes exaggerated chest movements.
The gums in your pet’ mouth should be pink and healthy. However, if the gums look tinged blue or pale, contact the vet. Your dog could be in respiratory distress as your pet might not be getting enough oxygen.
It is good to take an hourly record of your dog’s breathing. Normally your dog breaths 20 – 30 times per minute. If your dog’s breathing rate increases steadily, his or her condition is becoming worse and you need to contact the vet.