There is one basic rule in dog care: the chocolate It can be toxic and if ingested it is necessary to act quickly.
The cause, as explained by the Spanish site Anicura, is that this food contains a component called theobromine that dogs do not metabolize well and that is why it can be so harmful.
In any case, the same note clarifies that the danger will depend on the type of chocolate, the quantity ingested and the size of the animal.
Like the most dangerous products for dogs, the purest or blackest and sugar-free ones can be differentiated. Also cocoa powder. While white and milk are the least dangerous.
A provision provided by the aforementioned note: a serving of 25 grams of pure chocolate can be dangerous for a dog weighing 20 kilos.
The most common symptoms
The reactions will also depend on the portion taken, in relation to the characteristics of the animal.
If it was just a small portion for that breed’s size, the animal might just have stomach pain.
While in the most extreme cases the likelihood is that vomiting or diarrhea will occur. Or even have serious side effects, such as muscle tremors, rapid heart rate, tachycardia, seizures, hyperthermia or hypertension.
In extreme cases, It can lead to internal bleeding and even coma and death.
Keep in mind that the first symptoms can appear between four and twelve hours after ingestion.
What to do in case of poisoning
Anicura’s note states this Suspecting the consumption of chocolate in large quantities, it is essential to go or call a veterinarian as soon as possible.
He or she will try force vomiting remove as much toxin as possible. Activated charcoal is also often used to try and absorb the components and prevent them from passing into the bloodstream.
Other possible measures are a gastric lavage.
Furthermore, if the general condition of the dog is weakened, it will be necessary to carry out an intravenous fluid treatment.
Source: Clarin
