Can my dog eat chocolate, is it dangerous for Fr. Bulldogs 🍫?
Dear Dr. Kraemer,
My 2.5y old French Bulldog accidentally ingested some white chocolate 🍫, I’ve heard that chocolate can be dangerous for dogs, but I’m not sure how serious it is or what steps I should take.
CHOCOLATE TOXICITY IN DOGS:
How dangerous is chocolate for French Bulldogs, and what should I do immediately to help my pup? Should I rush to the vet, or are there steps I can take at home first?
Thank you for your advice! Kate and “Simba”🙏
Dr. Roy Kraemer Staff answered 3 months ago
Answer for Can my dog eat chocolate, is it dangerous for Fr. Bulldogs 🍫?
Dear Kate and “Simba,”
The good news is that white chocolate contains very little of the toxic substances found in cocoa beans.
IS CHOCOLATE TOXIC TO PETS?
However, your concerns are valid, as most chocolates contain compounds that can be potentially deadly to pets.
As a rule, never allow your bulldogs to consume any type of chocolate.
WHAT ARE THE CHOCOLATE TOXIC INGREDIENTS?
The dangerous ingredients are theobromine and caffeine, which are classified under a group called methylxanthines.
ARE ALL TYPE OF CHOCOLATE TOXIC?
The toxicity varies significantly between different types of chocolate. For example, if we assign a toxicity level of 10 to cocoa beans, milk chocolate would be around 0.5—meaning your bulldog would need to eat twenty times more milk chocolate to reach the toxicity level of a cocoa bean.
Below is an approximate potency table for equal amounts ingested:
- Cocoa Beans: 10
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 9
- Unsweetened Dark Baking Chocolate: 5
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips: 1.5
- Dark Sweet Chocolate: 1
- Milk Chocolate: 0.6
- White Chocolate: 0.01
What Are The Symptoms of a Dog Chocolate Toxicity?
Depending on the amount ingested, the size of your bulldog, and the type of chocolate the symptoms can vary from non to severe and deadly.
MILD BULLDOG CHOCOLATE TOXICITY:
- Vomiting
- Excessive urination
- Diarrhea
- Restlessness.
MODERATE DOG CHOCOLATE TOXICITY:
- Agitation
- Hyperactivity
- Rapid heart rate
- Fast breathing
- Hyperthermia.
SEVERE FR BULLDOG CHOCOLATE TOXICITY:
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Heart ((cardiac) arrhythmia
- Coma
- Death
How to Treat Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs?
Even when you are not sure of the amount ingested and the chocolate type it’s best to initiate vomiting and get it out before the chocolate gets absorbed.
MILD CASE
- Induce Vomiting: Ideally within the first 4 hours of ingestion.
- Gastric Lavage and Gastroprotecent Coating
- IV Fluids: To help excrete (urinate) methylxanthines
MODERATE CASE: (in addition to the above)
- Anti-Vomiting and GI Protectants: in a moderate case when the pet is already showing evidence of toxicity and is vomiting.
- Monitor Closely: Minimize sensory stimulation (keep the dog in a dark, quiet room).
SEVERE CASE:
- Requires extended hospitalization
- Anti-seizure medication
- Drugs for heart irregularities.
DOG CHOCOLATE TOXICITY PROGNOSIS:
The prognosis varies depending on
- Chocolate type
- Bulldog body weight
- Quantity digested
- Time between ingestion and treatment.
How Long Does Choclote Toxicy Last in Bulldogs?
Clinical signs of toxicity can last 12–36 hours, with severe cases lasting up to 72 hours.
Can Choclote Toxicy in Dogs Affect Unborn and Nursing Puppies?
⚠️ Methylxanthines cross the placenta and are excreted into milk, so unborn or nursing pups may be affected by the chocolate toxicosis of your pregnant bulldog or nursing bulldog puppies.
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