Questions
- Why can’t dogs have chocolate?
- What to do if your dog eats chocolate
- Dog chocolate alternatives
It’s always the same way, no matter how quietly you open that packet, you will always find your canine companion at your feet ready to accept your scraps when you reach for a snack. It probably wouldn’t matter if you were crinkling the packet of something entirely inedible, they would still wake up from the deepest slumber to come and ask you to share your treats. Try as they might there are going to be some situations where you can’t share what you have and not even out of principle, it’s for their own good. Our fluffy family members aren’t very aware when it comes to eating things they shouldn’t. They learn early on that human food is especially tasty and even things that are bad for them can taste delicious.
Chocolate is one of those treats that are not good for dogs and should be avoided at all costs, but that doesn’t mean your pooch won’t still ask for a taste of your choccie bar!
Why can’t dogs have chocolate?
Chocolate is toxic to dogs, specifically the ingredient theobromine. All dogs are sensitive to it however the amount it takes to cause a reaction differs depending on their tolerance and their body weight. A larger dog will have a high tolerance while a smaller pup may only need a few mouthfuls of chocolate to cause harm. It also differs depending on the type of chocolate they eat. If you have a 10kg dog then around 500g of milk chocolate will likely cause them to suffer from chocolate poisoning. There is a larger amount of theobromine in dark chocolate so only 150g would have the same effect when eaten by the same dog.
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After they ingest chocolate, their body will try to break it down and digest it which is when the theobromine becomes harmful. Theobromine primarily affects the cardiovascular system, nervous system and respiratory system however as they try to digest it, you will likely first notice the effects it has on their stomach.
The effects of chocolate poisoning in dogs include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Tremors and seizures
- Lethargy
- Tender abdomen
- Increased heart rate
- Panting
What to do if your dog eats chocolate
In the case that your pup gets hold of some chocolate, your reaction should always be to call the vet. While it can take a fair amount of chocolate to be life threatening, that doesn’t mean any less will not cause significant harm. It’s often also hard to know exactly how much chocolate your dog ate. If they’ve gotten into a box and helped themselves, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Your vet will often try to help you estimate how much was consumed and if they’re concerned they will ask you to bring your pup down to see them.
A severe case of chocolate poisoning may mean they have to stay in to receive support but if you catch it fast enough, they can often treat them there and then. If your pooch hasn’t started to digest the chocolate in their system yet, they can often be treated with charcoal to induce vomiting. If you catch it quickly enough you can remove all of the chocolate from their system before their body starts to break it down and it becomes harmful. They might feel a little sorry for themselves after going sick but you won’t have to worry about any permanent damage.
The symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs can appear anywhere from two to twelve hours after they eat it. The faster they receive treatment, the better their prognosis.
Dog chocolate alternatives
If you get a case of the big begging eyes every time you unwrap a chocolate and your pooch won’t leave you alone, don’t worry about having to deny them a treat. If they are so dedicated in their pursuit of chocolate, you can get them their very own doggy chocolate that will be just as rewarding as the real deal. Not only that but it won’t contain any of the harmful nasties that can do them damage.
Rosewood Dog Safe Chocolate Drops
Rosewood Dog Safe Chocolate Drops are the next best thing to those chocolate buttons your pup has been eyeing up all this time. There’s nothing harmful in them but they also contain the added bonus of extra vitamins and minerals. While they might be a treat for your pooch, they’re also nutritionally beneficial for their daily intake of food. With no added preservatives or flavours, you don’t have to worry about these chocolate drops being detrimental. There are over 200 drops per bag so they’re the perfect size for giving your pooch a treat without overdoing it.
The Rosewood chocolate drops will quickly become your beloved pet’s favourite treat which can be used as a bedtime snack or even rewards to be given while training.
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Tail Twisters Doggy Woof Bar Dog Treat
The Tail Twisters Doggy Woof Bar Dog Treat is a nutritious treat for your pup that is packed full of beneficial vitamins and minerals. Made only with premium ingredients, you can be sure you’re only giving your pooch the best of the best. Not only is it free from theobromine so your pooch won’t suffer from chocolate poisoning but there’s no gluten or sugar either. While chocolate might be an indulgent treat for us, it’s a healthy snack for our pets and perfectly safe too.
If you want to see your pup’s eyes practically pop out of their head when they see this whole chocolate bar just for them, be sure to treat them on special occasions!
MR WUFFles Who's Terry Chocolate Orange Donut for Dogs
Something truly impressive that will let your pup know just how special they are is the MR WUFFles Who's Terry Chocolate Orange Donut for Dogs. This luxurious donut will make you jealous when you’re diving into your own boring jam filled donut and watching your pup tucking into their indulgent treat. Not only are there no hidden nasties but the chocolate orange donut is entirely plant based. It’s a great treat for canine companions with sensitive stomachs and contains no wheat, grain or gluten too. No matter what diet your pooch is on they can enjoy this truly luxurious treat.
You can serve it cold, slice it to share with their friends or save some for later and you can even warm it in the microwave to turn it into a delicious gooey cake.
Whatever the occasion is, whether it’s a treat for doing the perfect sit or a big birthday surprise, you can find everything you need in store and online.