Valentine’s Day is near and love is in the air—but so is potential danger for pets. Those chocolate treats and goodies may be sweet to your Valentine, but for “Fluffy” and other pets they can be fatal.
What makes chocolate toxic to pets?
Chocolate is made from the fruit (beans of the cacao tree. Theo bromine, a component of chocolate, is the toxic compound in chocolate. Caffeine is also present in chocolate, but in much smaller amounts than Theo bromine. Cocoa and chocolate products may be toxic or lethal to dogs and other domestic animals because these animals metabolize Theo bromine more slowly than humans. The heart, central nervous system, and kidneys are affected.
How much is enough to worry about?
Different types of chocolate contain different amounts of Theo bromine. In general, Theo bromine levels are higher in dark chocolates (approximately 10 g/kg) than in milk chocolates (1-5 g/kg). Higher quality chocolate tends to contain more Theo bromine than lower quality chocolate. Cocoa beans naturally contain approximately 300-1200 mg/ounce Theo bromine (note how variable this is!). With that said, the toxic dose of Theo bromine (and caffeine) for pets is 100-200mg/kg (1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds). However, various reports by the ASPCA have noted problems at doses less than this, i.e. 20mg/kg. Translated to a “typical” scenario, and using the 20mg/kg as a measure of “problems can be seen at this level of ingestion,” a 50-pound dog would have to consume 9 ounces (+/-) of milk chocolate to consume the 20-mg/kg amount of Theo bromine. Some dogs won’t see problems at this rate. Some may. This is a much more conservative toxic level calculation than the “standard” 100-200mg/kg, but better safe than sorry.
What are the signs of toxicity?
Signs are most commonly seen within 12 hours (or less), and may include:
*Excitement/nervousness/trembling *Seizures *Vomiting/diarrhea
*Excessive thirst/urination (at higher levels of Theo bromine toxicity)
*Muscle spasms *Death – likely due to heart rhythm abnormalities
What about my cat(s)?
Dogs are generally more susceptible to Theo bromine and caffeine toxicity than cats, no doubt because they are more likely to consume large quantities of chocolate, whereas cats are generally more finicky eaters and therefore less likely to voluntarily consume chocolate, especially in large quantities.
My dog just stole and scarfed down my box of chocolates! What should I do?
Call you veterinary office or nearby emergency veterinary facility immediately and follow their recommendations, which may mean simply watching and waiting or dropping everything and bringing “Fluffy” into the hospital immediately. Depending on the size of your dog, the type of chocolate, the amount ingested, and how long ago “Fluffy” indulged, the outcomes could be very different. Leave it to the professionals to decide the best course of action.
This doesn’t mean that “Fluffy” can’t be your Valentine. More than three quarters of all pet owners in America give gifts to their pets on special occasions—and Valentine’s Day should be no exception. Visit your favorite pet store, doggy boutique or “Barkery” and find the perfect pet-friendly gift to show your fur baby how much you really love them. From heart-shaped plush toys, to Valentine’s Day bones, there are a variety of toys and treats from which to choose. Have a happy and safe Valentine’s Day!
Come in and meet the caring doctors and staff at
VCA Highlands Animal Hospital
3451 Elkhorn Blvd. North Highlands, CA 95660 916-332-2845