All About Chocolate Toxicity > What makes chocolate toxic
If you suspect that your pet has eaten chocolate (more than the stray chocolate chip that fell on the floor), please call your veterinarian or animal poison control for advice.
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 and keep chocolate safely away from pets. Chocolate wasn't meant to be shared anyway (grin).
All About Chocolate Toxicity > What makes chocolate toxic
