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One of the things that amazed me some time back (several years ago now but long after I had dogs as pets) was how dangerous chocolate is to a dog's health, and how many of my friends (not just me) were unaware of this danger. While surfing the web earlier this year, I ran across this article and decided to reprint a portion of it here. The article was written Dec. 1, 1997 column by Dr. Roen. There are many other intriguing and interesting facts and columns to be found at Dr. Roen's website so check it out! Here is what Dr. Roen wrote in this very important column entitled "The Perils of Chocolate and Electrical Cords":
Chocolate is poisonous to dogs and cats, and unsweetened, or semisweet baking chocolate is the most dangerous. It contains caffeine and theobromine, similar to caffiene. Symptoms may be vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, hyperactivity, seizures, and death.The toxic dose of caffeine or theobromine ranges about from 50 to 150 mg per pound of body weight. The semisweet chocolate that I got into was a package of eight little one ounce squares of chocolate, and each ounce of semisweet chocolate has 22 mg of caffiene, and 138 oz of theobromine in it. The three squares that I ate could have been fatal to a ten pound dog. A sixty pound dog could easily eat the whole package of eight squares, cardboard and all, and that would be enough to be fatal. If I had eaten all of the semisweet and unsweetened chocolate in our cupboard, you would be reading my obituary now, instead of this column.
An eight ounce cup of coffee contains about 100 to 300 mg of caffiene, and espresso contains about 100 mg of caffiene per ounce. A ten pound dog would have to drink two or three cups of coffee, or several ounces of espresso to risk a lethal overdose.
Dogs are more likely to get into candy bars and other treats, usually made from milk chocolate. They contain considerably less caffeine and theobromine so fatalities from accidental chocolate poisoning are very uncommon. Chocoholic dogs usually don't eat a lethal dose, and they probably eat the wrappers and a lot of other junk with the chocolate, so they begin vomiting soon enough to get rid of most of the chocolate. But it is probably best to call your veterinarian. In most situations, the prudent thing to do is induce vomiting to empty the stomach before other symptoms appear. And supportive care may be needed.
Other "dietary indiscretions" are the most common reason for holiday related dog emergencies. Left over turkey, gravy, bones, potatoes, and so on cause a serious upset stomach. It can even lead to dehydration, electrolytes imbalance, kidney failure, and death.
The complete article can be found at Dr. Roen's website and I strongly urge every pet owner to read it.
A Few Holiday Reminders
Poinsettia plants are poisonous, though mildly so, causing irritation to the gastrointestinal tract.Mistletoe berries are very poisonous. Even one or two berries of this plant may be fatal to a pet.
Don't let your pets drink from the Christmas tree stand if you have added a chemical to lengthen the tree's life. This solution can be irritating to your pet's mouth and stomach tissue.
Just as with humans, it's not a good idea for your pets to overeat during the holidays, so don't feed your pets from the table.
Holiday stress isn't limited to humans. Pets have a hard time adjusting to all the hubbub and additional guests in the house. Be sure to schedule some quality one-on-one time with your pet to play and cuddle and thus relieve its anxiety.
SOME ANIMAL LINKS TO CHECK OUT
Lightening Strike - an excellent page dealing with pet loss support
Cassie and Tessa wanted everyone to meet Solomon, too. While no longer with us in the flesh, he will always be with us in spirit. He loved to play and is deeply missed.
