All dog owners are told early on about the dangers of chocolate. This favorite sweet treat for humans can be a devastating poison for dogs.
Still, while most of us know that chocolate is a no-no for canine companions, it's hard to appreciate how profoundly awful the impact can be for a pup.
Recently, a powerful and deeply distressing photo has been circulating online, illustrating the visceral misery of a dog who got ahold of some chocolate.
We've discussed the importance of keeping chocolate out of doggy paws on Halloween.
With Easter right around the corner, it's time to be extra vigilant once more.
In fact, any holiday that involves chocolate (including Valentine's Day or Christmas) is an opportunity to refresh your knowledge of the dangers of chocolate, and what to do if your dog is poisoned.
Scroll through below to learn more.
Warning: Some of the following images contain graphic depictions of animal illness. Click the images below to reveal them.
Recently, the Drumahoe Veterinary Clinic in the U.K. took to Facebook to share an image that is as disturbing as it is important.
The photo depicts a clearly miserable dog experiencing the devastating symptoms of chocolate poisoning after accidentally ingesting the sweet treat.
This dog has likely been induced to vomit to get the chocolate out of his system.
While the image is distressing and not for the faint of heart (or stomach), the message is clearly getting through.
Nearly 100,000 people shared the viral image, with many tagging friends and family to alert them to the dangers of chocolate.
The photo depicts a boxer-type dog who is suffering from intense vomiting after eating chocolate.
Most likely, the veterinarian has induced vomiting to get the candy out of the dog's system.
Judging from the large amount of vomit and the chocolate color, it appears that this is an extreme case where the dog got into a large stash of chocolate, perhaps saved for Easter or another occasion.
The veterinary clinic posted a caption alongside the image reading:
WARNING
(Not for the faint-hearted but this is reality)
Please think twice when you feed your dog chocolate! It is very poisonous
As Easter approaches make sure to keep all chocolate eggs away from your pets
If you plan to put out Easter baskets for the little ones in your life, be sure to keep them far, far away from pets.
There's a naturally occurring stimulant in chocolate called theobromine that affects urination and the nervous system.
Humans have an enzyme that breaks it down, but most other animals do not.
Theobromine is deeply toxic to dogs and can be found in high concentrations in cocoa powder, baker's chocolate, and dark chocolate.
A small amount of chocolate is unlikely to cause immediate harm. Most commercial chocolates, especially milk chocolates, have lower concentrations of theobromine.
However, while a small amount is unlikely to be lethal, even a taste of chocolate can cause an upset stomach and discomfort.
In other words, a single piece of chocolate is not likely to be a medical emergency, but it should still be avoided at all costs.
Some dog owners responding to the original Facebook post note that they have fed their dogs chocolate for years without noticing a problem. Some even went as far as to claim that chocolate is fine for dogs.
All owners should be aware that this is simply untrue.
Milk chocolate is unlikely to cause a serious problem, but even a smaller amount of cocoa powder or baker's chocolate could cause toxicity, seizures, or death.
If your dog begs for a taste of chocolate at the table, it is important not to give in, because it might give him a taste for the treat and cause him to seek out a more dangerous quantity later.
With Easter approaching, you want to be very careful about leaving out chocolate eggs and bunny rabbits.
If you put an Easter basket in an easy-to-reach spot, the temptation might be too much for the dog in your life.
Large quantities of chocolate — combined with sugary, gummy candies like jelly beans — are a recipe for painful, expensive trips to the vet.
Other household pets are less likely to eat chocolate, but it is also toxic to cats, rabbits, birds, and other domestic animals.
If you suspect your dog has ingested a toxic amount of chocolate, keep an eye out for the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Frequent urination
- Tremors
- Increased heart rate
- Seizures
If your dog experiences any of the above symptoms, call your vet immediately or seek emergency medical treatment to treat the chocolate toxicity.
Have a safe and happy Easter, and be sure to SHARE this important information with dog lovers everywhere!
