How does chocolate ingestion actually affect our furry friends?

Most of us know that we can’t give chocolate to our pets, but do we really know why? Chocolate ingestion usually occurs in dogs, although many species are susceptible. Dogs are often most affected because of their indiscriminate eating habits. The kids may have been trying to share their sweet treat with their buddy or someone has accidentally left it where the dog could get to it, it happens but it’s important to know how it may affect your animal and what to do next.

Chocolate is derived from the roasted seeds of Theobroma cacao. The primary toxins in chocolate are methylxanthines theobromine and caffeine which are both central nervous system stimulants. The amount varies between different chocolates, for example bakers’ chocolate and cocoa powder have the highest concentrates where milk chocolate has the lowest, it’s important to know what kind of chocolate your animal has ingested and approximately how much so your veterinarian can calculate the toxic level.

So how does methylxanthines theobromine and caffeine affect their body? Well, unlike humans, dogs cannot metabolize theobromine effectively and processes very slowly which allows toxic levels to build up in their system. Theobromine and caffeine inhibit cellular adenosine receptors in the brain and attack the central nervous system and cause an increase in calcium by promoting calcium entry into cells and preventing it from being stored.

Clinical signs of chocolate toxicity usually occur within 6-12 hours after ingestion. The early clinical signs may include increased thirst, vomiting, diarrhoea, distended abdomen and restlessness but clinical signs can progress to, hyperactivity, increased urination, tremors/ spasms, seizures, increased heart rate, increased respiratory rate, high blood pressure, hyperthermia, cardiac arrythmias from increased calcium. Death is generally due to cardiac arrhythmias, hyperthermia or respiratory failure, the high fat contents of chocolate can also trigger pancreatitis in susceptible animals.

So what should you do if you think your animal has ingested chocolate? Do NOT wait for clinical signs, if you suspect your animal has eaten chocolate-

1. Call your vet clinic immediately with details of the type and the amount of chocolate consumed and they will be able to calculate if it is at a toxic level. In animals within 2 hours of chocolate ingestion induction of emesis (making them vomit) is critical to ensure they don’t absorb the toxins or stopping the absorption as much as possible

2. Monitor for signs listed above - but do NOT wait for illness to appear before seeking help. If your dog is displaying any of the signs above call your vet immediately to take them to the clinic

Never assume your pet will be “fine”, chocolate toxicity is a genuine emergency. There is no antidote to chocolate toxicity, veterinary professionals will give supportive care and management of potentially life- threatening clinical signs. This normally involves intravenous fluids to help flush out remaining toxins and support internal organs, medications to control tremors, seizures, vomiting etc, monitoring of the heart with an ECG, monitoring of blood work for electrolyte abnormalities and management of body temperature. Clinical signs can persist for up to 72 hours in serve cases.

Prevention is key!!! Ensure all chocolate products are well out of reach of curious noses and educating family and visitors about the dangers can also prevent accidental exposure.