Chocolates and Dogs
Feeding chocolate to your dogs may
result in potentially dangerous heart and brain affections. Chocolate
poisoning incidence is comparatively very high in western part of the world,
mainly attributed to indiscriminate eating habits and readily available sources
of chocolate.
Chocolate is obtained from the roasted seeds of the plant Theobroma cacao . The toxic principles in chocolate are the methylxanthines theobromine and caffeine. Both theobromine and caffeine contribute to the syndrome of chocolate poisoning, though the concentration of theobromine in chocolate is almost 5-8 times less than that of caffeine. The exact amount of the toxic factors in chocolate varies due to natural variation and variation within chocolate products and their preparation. However, in general, the total methylxanthine concentration of dry cocoa powder is 28.5 mg/g, unsweetened chocolate is 16 mg/g, semisweet chocolate and sweet dark chocolate is 5.4-5.7 mg/g, and milk chocolate is 2.3 mg/g. White chocolate is not a very significant source of methylxanthines.
The toxic dose or LD50 of methylxanthine is 100-200mg/kg, it should also be noted that toxicity vary between dogs based on individual sensitivities. These compounds undergo changes in the liver of the animal and are excreted in the urine.
Clinical manifestations of chocolate poisoning occur 6-10 hours after ingestion of chocolate. Again, individual sensitivity may cause symptoms to appear as early as 3-4 hours after and 20 hours after ingestion. Some dogs may not show any symptoms at all. Initial presenting signs involve vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, gas fill up in the stomach, abdominal pain and restlessness. The high fat content of chocolate products is yet another concern and it may predispose the dogs to pancreatic disorders.
Chocolate toxicosis is a severe and serious life threatening situation, which, if left unattended may result in even death. If you suspect your dog of chocolate poisoning, rush it to your vet !!
Chocolate is obtained from the roasted seeds of the plant Theobroma cacao . The toxic principles in chocolate are the methylxanthines theobromine and caffeine. Both theobromine and caffeine contribute to the syndrome of chocolate poisoning, though the concentration of theobromine in chocolate is almost 5-8 times less than that of caffeine. The exact amount of the toxic factors in chocolate varies due to natural variation and variation within chocolate products and their preparation. However, in general, the total methylxanthine concentration of dry cocoa powder is 28.5 mg/g, unsweetened chocolate is 16 mg/g, semisweet chocolate and sweet dark chocolate is 5.4-5.7 mg/g, and milk chocolate is 2.3 mg/g. White chocolate is not a very significant source of methylxanthines.
The toxic dose or LD50 of methylxanthine is 100-200mg/kg, it should also be noted that toxicity vary between dogs based on individual sensitivities. These compounds undergo changes in the liver of the animal and are excreted in the urine.
Clinical manifestations of chocolate poisoning occur 6-10 hours after ingestion of chocolate. Again, individual sensitivity may cause symptoms to appear as early as 3-4 hours after and 20 hours after ingestion. Some dogs may not show any symptoms at all. Initial presenting signs involve vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, gas fill up in the stomach, abdominal pain and restlessness. The high fat content of chocolate products is yet another concern and it may predispose the dogs to pancreatic disorders.
Chocolate toxicosis is a severe and serious life threatening situation, which, if left unattended may result in even death. If you suspect your dog of chocolate poisoning, rush it to your vet !!
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