It’s February! And with it comes chocolate goodness and more. While these sweet treats are great for humans, they are big no-nos for pets, as we are sure you already know.
But even the best pet owners can make mistakes. It doesn’t make you a bad person if they accidentally get into that chocolate stash when you’re not looking. What it does mean is that you need to act quickly to guarantee they receive the care they need to prevent serious poisoning.
Not sure what to do in this dire situation? We’ve broken down the steps below.
Stay Calm
Before you even look for a solution for your pet, you need to remember that your temperament can determine outcomes. Take the moment to understand the severity of the situation, but don’t let it cloud your judgment. A deep breath before you begin the steps below can help ensure your pet is treated quickly.
Deduce How Much Chocolate They Ate
Chocolate is toxic in all forms. However, what makes chocolate toxic is an active alkaloid known as theobromine. While all chocolate contains this alkaloid, some have it in higher or lower doses. For example, cooking chocolate and dark chocolate have high levels, while milk and white chocolate have much lower levels. Knowing how much they ate and which type of chocolate they ate can help your vet understand exactly what needs to be done next.
Call An Emergency Vet
Chocolate consumption in pets should always be taken seriously, even if it’s just a small dosage. Your vet will typically ask about the type of chocolate they consumed, how long ago they consumed it, how much they ate and what your pet weighs. Having this information on hand will provide you with the quickest answer as to what to do next.
We understand that these moments can feel tense and stressful. So, if you’re experiencing panic, be sure to write down these details to guarantee you clearly communicate them.
Follow Your Vet's Instructions
Based on the information you provide, your vet will either supply you with at-home strategies to manage your dog or recommend you come in to visit. The latter may mean that the amount they consumed could be toxic, or potentially lethal, if not treated. At the vet, they will likely try to induce vomiting or will work to pump your dog’s stomach to prevent the long-term impacts of poisoning.
If they recommend waiting it out, they may still ask you to monitor for signs, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, increased thirst, rapid breathing, tremors or an increased heart rate. If symptoms change suddenly, always call them back.
Find Pet Safe Treats At PetNest
Dogs deserve treats so they know how good they’ve been! Rather than risking them making their way into the chocolate stash, we have a range of healthy, nutritional treats that dogs love. Shop our dog treat range online by clicking here.
