Dogs and chocolate poisoning can be a real problem.

This is what to look for if your dog is poisoned. Remember, always consult a veterinarian.

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which contribute to poisoning. There is also theobromine in some garden mulches made from cocoa-bean hulls; some dogs have become unwell after eating them.

The lethal dose of theobromine in dogs is 100-150mg per kilo bodyweight. Dark or cooking chocolate contains the most theobromine (1400mg per 100g), while milk chocolate contains 150mg per 100g. Half of a 250g block of baking chocolate is enough to be dangerous to a 10kg dog.

Your dog will show symptoms of chocolate poisoning within 6-12 hours of eating it. Vomiting, diarrhea and hyperactivity are common. He may be extremely thirsty, and be wobbly on his feet. As the condition worsens, he then develops a rapid and irregular heart rate, panting, muscle spasms and seizures.

The end result may be coma and death. Sometimes dogs may just die suddenly without any symptoms at all. This is thought to be because of a fatal irregularity of the heart rhythm.

Similar symptoms occur with coffee poisoning as theobromine is chemically very similar to caffeine; however coffee toxicity isn't as common in dogs. Coffee may taste a bit bitter to be palatable to most dogs. Chocolate poisoning can have a lethal dose of caffeine of around 150mg per kilo bodyweight. As a reference, instant coffee contains approximately 60mg per teaspoon.

If your dog has only eaten a small amount of chocolate, he may not need treatment, however do check with your veterinarian.

Treatment is non specific - your vet will make your dog vomit if he has eaten the chocolate in the last hour or so, and activated charcoal by mouth will slow any further absorption of theobromine in the gastrointestinal tract.

Your dog will be given intravenous fluids to support his body, and may need sedatives to control any seizures or painful muscle spasms. Medication can also be given to control any irregular heart rhythm.

Whether or not a dog recovers from theobromine poisoning depends on how much he has eaten, and how severe the symptoms. It's important to start treatment early to get the best possible outcome.

Prevention of dog chocolate poisoning is easy - eat all the chocolate yourself!! Seriously, keep chocolate out of reach of your dog. This is particularly important at Easter, when there are usually a lot of chocolate eggs being shared.

Also, although dogs don't tend to eat mulch too often, do fence off areas of the garden with cocoa-bean mulch to keep your dog away from it.

Even with the best intentions, dogs and chocolate poisoning can be a real threat.

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