It's always best to err on the side of caution. If you know your dog ate some chocolate, you should call your vet. If you don't have a vet or if the vet is closed, you can call the 24/7 Pet Poison helpline at 855-764-7661.
Talk to a vet if your dog ate chocolate First, talking to a vet can provide you with the peace of mind you need in these stressful situations. If you're worried that your dog ate a potentially toxic amount of chocolate, learning that your canine companion will be just fine can save you quite a bit of worry.
There is no antidote to theobromine. In most cases, your vet will make your dog vomit. They may wash out the stomach and feed activated charcoal which will absorb any theobromine left in the intestine. Other treatments will depend on the signs your dog is showing.
Vetted Pet Care suggests taking only three percent solution of Hydrogen Peroxide (not the concentrated six percent solution) and putting 1ml for every pound of body weight (so 16 ml for 16 pounds), into food or in a dropper to feed her to induce vomiting.
Chocolate poisoning can cause severe symptoms and even death. Monitor your dog closely if she has eaten chocolate chip cookies, and call your vet immediately if you notice signs of chocolate poisoning, including those below.
Contact your veterinarian. They will need to know the weight of your dog, the type of chocolate, any other ingredients in the cookie, and the amount consumed. You should also let them know if any packaging is missing. Your vet will then calculate the likelihood of toxic effects and make a recommendation.
Give your dog activated charcoal: Only give this or Endosorb at the advice of your vet and if you know that your dog has just eaten the chocolate and isn't yet exhibiting any serious signs of contamination. (The charcoal must come into contact with the contaminant in order for it to work).
Chocolate is toxic to dogs and could cause a medical emergency. Signs of chocolate poisoning usually appear within 6 to 12 hours.
The list of chocolate poisoning symptoms is long. The symptoms a dog presents depend on the severity of the poisoning. According to the American Kennel Club, symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, restlessness, increased urination, abnormal heart rate and seizures.
What are the Signs of Chocolate Poisoning?
If your pet consumed the chocolate less than two hours ago, your veterinarian may induce vomiting and give him several doses of activated charcoal, which works to move the toxins out of the body without being absorbed into the bloodstream.
Get 3% Hydrogen Peroxide If your dog eats chocolate, the first thing you need to do is contact your veterinarian. It is likely that they will tell you to make the dog vomit to get the chocolate out of his digestive system. You can use 3% hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting in dogs.
What to Do If Your Dog Ate Chocolate. If you believe your dog ate chocolate, call your veterinarian immediately or call the Pet Poison Helpline (855-213-6680) for advice. Note that if your vet is not open, some services provide live chat and video options to connect you with a vet.
If you have seen your dog eat an edible, the first thing you do is call the poison control center. The poison control center can provide information on pets as well.