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Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory:
Not a Place for Dog's To Visit

Dr. Don DeForge-Animal Doc AM Multi-Media
17July2012

Chocolate Toxicity:

Chocolate contains Theobromine, a natural stimulant, found in the cocoa bean.  Unfortunately, dog's metabolize Theobromine very slowly.

When ingested by pets in large quantity chocolate can cause:
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Hyperactivity
  • Increased Thirst
  • Increased Urination
  • Abnormal Heart Rhythm
  • Seizures
  • Even loss of life 
Dark chocolate and Baking Chocolate are the most dangerous; one ounce of dark chocolate in a ten pound dog is life threatening.  If you cannot reach your own veterinarian call your local ER Center to see if the type of chocolate and the amount ingested is life threatening.  If you wish, you can call Poison Control for Animals-The ASPCA Poison Control Center has a 24 hour Emergency Veterinary Poison Hot line -at 888-426-4435.


Xylitol Toxicity:

Xylitol is another very toxic sweet substance that dogs are drawn to commonly.  Xylitol is used in sugarless gums and candies and is generally safe for human consumption. Xylitol in pets can be rapidly fatal even in low dosages.  In the dog, Xylitol can cause liver failure, internal bleeding, and a fatal low blood sugar hypoglycemic reaction.  Signs of Xylitol toxicity may include:
  • Vomiting
  • Weakness
  • Uncoordinated movement
  • Depression
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Liver dysfunction or failure
  • Even loss of life

Xylitol, as stated is common in some sugarless gums but can also be found in diabetic candies, certain baked goods, some pharmaceuticals, dental products, mouthwashes, mints, and toothpaste.

If you believe your pet has consumed a Xylitol related product contact your regular DVM, your Animal ER Center, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away.  Do not wait.  Do not see if the initial signs pass.  Get help right away.  The signs can develop 30 minutes after ingestion.  Your veterinarian can initiate an emetic drug to expel the Xylitol if do not waste precious moments.  Veterinary involvement centers on Critical Care, monitoring, fluid therapy, treatment of the hypoglycemia and evaluating clinical lab data to correct other toxicity problems.

If you need help with any poisoning problem in your pet keep this phone number in your Cell Phone Memory and utilize it immediately after any suspect poisoning:
ASPCA Animal Poison Control 888-426-4435

Questions?
Feel Free to Contact:
Dr. Don DeForge
Silver Sands Veterinary Center
17 Seemans Lane
Milford, CT 06460
Phone 203-877-3221
E-Mail DonDeForge@aol.com

Dr. Don DeForge is Animal Doc AM Multi-Media
www.SilverSandsVeterinary.com
 

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