More than any other holiday, Valentine's Day is closely associated with chocolate - all kinds of chocolate! Here in the Utica/Rome area of upstate NY, there is plenty of chocolate on hand to tempt our pets.
Gertrude Hawk Chocolates in Sangertown Mall is one store full of delicious chocolate - much of it the healthier dark chocolate. While dark chocolate is healthier for people, it can be more dangerous for pets. This interactive chart can show you just how little chocolate may cause problems for your pets. Just .74 ounces of dark chocolate could cause vomiting and diarrhea for your Yorkshire Terrier.
Chocolate is poisonous due to the theobromine in it which can cause gastrointestinal and cardiac effects. While dogs are the most likely to break into your Valentine's Day chocolate stash, cats will occasionally do so as well. Chocolate is not good for cats either!
If your dog does make a chocolate raid, call your veterinarian. Local clinics provide emergency coverage for their clients. If for some reason you cannot reach your veterinarian, Veterinary Medical Center of Central NY in East Syracuse is open for emergencies. They are a shot directly west on the NY Thruway to Exit 34A.
You may be directed to make your dog vomit up the chocolate if it was a recent raid or you may be asked to bring your dog in for evaluation. The best solution? Keep your Valentine's Day special chocolate treats securely hidden away from your dog!
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