How to Detect and Treat Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs

Dogs with chocolate poisoning will exhibit signs of nervousness, hypertension, diarrhea, urinary incontinence (uncontrollable urination), panting, excitement, seizures or, in extreme cases, death.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Dog Dishes
• Towels
• Hydrogen Peroxides (H2O2)
• Ipecacs
• Turkey Basters

1. Use these treatments if your dog is showing symptoms of having recently ingested a large amount of chocolate. However, avoid using these treatments on dogs that are having seizures. In either case, call or take the dog to the vet immediately.
2. Make a 1-to-1 solution of 3 percent standard hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and water.
3. Give your pet the appropriate amount: For every 10 lbs. of your dog's body weight, give 1 tbsp. peroxide/water solution. For example, a 20-lb. dog will need 2 tbsp. peroxide/water solution.
4. Pour the peroxide/water solution into a turkey baster and squirt it into your dog's mouth to induce vomiting.
5. Watch for vomiting.
6. Wait another 10 minutes if the dog has not vomited in 5 minutes. If your dog has not vomited after the full 15 minutes, re-administer the peroxide/water solution using the same dosage.
7. Administer 1/4 tsp. ipecac to your dog as an alternative way to induce vomiting.
8. Avoid giving a third dosage of peroxide/water solution or ipecac if your dog still has not vomited, as that could be dangerous.
9. Call the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 4ANIHELP or [phone]. Be prepared to pay a consulting fee.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult your veterinarian to learn the exact amounts of the emetics to use for your individual dog's size and weight.
• Although not all types of chocolate are equally harmful, they contain the alkaloids theobromine and caffeine, which can be toxic to dogs. A lethal dose for a 20-lb. dog requires 10,000mg of alkaloids.
• Baking chocolate has the highest alkaloid content and the highest potential to make your dog seriously ill. One oz. of baking chocolate has a 400mg alkaloid content, 1 oz. of dark chocolate has 150mg, and 1 oz. of milk chocolate has 50mg.