Animals often have a "sweet tooth" too
Just like their human counterparts, pets, especially dogs, can crave the delicious goodness of chocolate. While recent studies have shown that chocolate may be beneficial for our health, it is important to know that chocolate can be toxic, and sometimes even fatal, for animals.
Dogs are most commonly affected, due to their ability to find it and the common 'sweet tooth' they seem to have. It is important to remember that cats and other species are susceptible to the toxic effects of chocolate, too.
What makes chocolate toxic, anyway?
Chocolate is made from the fruit (beans) of the cacao tree. Theobromine,
a component of chocolate, is the toxic compound in chocolate. (Caffeine is also present in chocolate, but in much smaller amounts than Theobromine.) Both Theobromine and Caffeine are members of a drug class called Methylxanines.
Theobromine and caffeine effects on the body:
- Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulant
- Cardiovascular stimulant
- Increase blood pressure (mild)
- Nausea and vomiting
Are some
chocolates more toxic than others?
Yes. Unsweetened (baker's) chocolate contains 8-10 times the amount of Theobromine as milk chocolate. Semi-sweet chocolate falls roughly in between the two for Theobromine content. White chocolate contains Theobromine, but in such small amounts that Theobromine poisoning is unlikely. Caffeine is present in chocolate, but less than Theobromine.
Quick Guide for Theobromine levels in different types of chocolate:
From The Merck Veterinary Manual, here are approximate Theobromine levels of different types of chocolate:
- Dry cocoa powder = 800 mg/oz
- Unsweetened (Baker's) chocolate = 450 mg/oz
- Cocoa bean mulch = 255 mg/oz
- semisweet chocolate and sweet dark chocolate is = 150-160 mg/oz
- Milk chocolate = 44-64 mg Theobromine per oz chocolate
- White chocolate contains an insignificant source of methylxanthines.
How much is too much?
The toxic dose of Theobromine (and caffeine) for pets is 100-200mg/kg. (1 kiliogram = 2.2 pounds). However, various reports by the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) have noted problems at doses much lower than this - i.e. 20mg/kg.
Translated to a "typical" scenario, and using the 20mg/kg as a measure of "problems can be seen at this level of ingestion", a 50 pound dog would have to consume 9 ounces (+/-) of milk chocolate to consume the 20mg/kg amount of Theobromine. Some dogs won't see problems at this rate. Some may.
This is a much more conservative toxic level calculation than the "standard" of 100-200mg/kg, but better safe than sorry. A dog sneaking a couple M&M's shouldn't have a problem, but it isn't a good habit to get into!
What are
the signs of toxicity?
Signs are most commonly seen within 12 hours (or less) of chocolate ingestion.
- Excitement / nervousness / trembling
- Vomiting / diarrhea
- Excessive thirst / sometimes excessive urination (at higher levels of Theobromine toxicity)
- Muscle spasms
- Seizures
- Coma (rare
- Death (rare) -- likely due to heart rhythm abnormalities.
How is chocolate toxicity treated?
If you suspect that your pet has eaten chocolate (more than the stray
chocolate chip that fell on the floor), call your veterinarian for advice. The toxicity of Theobromine is dose dependent. This means that the size of your pet, the type of chocolate, and quantity of chocolate determine if or how toxic it is for your pet.
There is no specific antidote for Theobromine toxicity. Medical treatmentis supportive, and may include all or some of the following:
- IV fluids - to prevent dehydration from vomiting, diarrhea, and /or increased urination, and to "flush" the Theobromine out of the system.
- Emetics - medications that induce vomiting. Used when the ingestion of chocolate is within 4 hours. Up to 6-8 hours post chocolate ingestion may be effective.
- Activated charcoal - for ingestion greater than 4 hours prior to treatment, or for patients that show continued signs of toxicity.
- Anti-seizure medications - for patients having seizures and/or muscle tremors.
- Cardiac medications - for patients exhibiting irregular heart rates or rhythms.
Why isn't chocolate toxic to humans?
Humans can break down and excrete Theobromine much more efficiently than
dogs. The half life of Theobromine in the dog is long; approximately 17.5
hours.
Keep your pet's best interests at heart...chocolate wasn't meant to be shared anyway (grin).
Veterinary Q & A is part of a continuing series. See the archive for more Q & A topics.
Text: Copyright © Janet Tobiassen Crosby. All rights reserved.
