Chocolate toxicity: a common canine Halloween illness

October 28, 1:23 PMPet Care ExaminerPatrick Mahaney

Previous Next

8 comments Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Pet Care Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Halloween, Thanksgiving, and other holidays involve the presence of foods that may pose health hazards to our pets when inappropriately consumed.  Dietary indiscretion is the inappropriate consumption of foods or environmental materials.  Dietary indiscretion commonly leads to some degree of illness that motivates a pet owner to present their pet to a veterinarian for examination.  Around Halloween, dietary indiscretion involving chocolate is one of the most common toxic exposures I see affecting dogs in my clinical practice.

Dogs are very sensitive to stimulating chemicals, such as theobromine and caffeine, which are found in chocolate.  Theobromine and caffeine are members of the methylxanthine class of chemical compounds. Dogs metabolize methylxanthines at a slower rate than humans, therefore they are more susceptible to toxicity resulting from dietary indiscretion involving chocolate.  Gastrointestinal, urogenital, cardiovascular, and neurologic systems can be adversely affected.  Gastrointestinal signs include vomiting, diarrhea, and increased water consumption.  Urogenital signs include increased urination or urinary incontinence.  Cardiovascular signs include increased heart rate and arrhythmia.  Neurologic signs include restlessness, muscle tremors, seizure activity, and, in severe cases, death. 

In general, the highest concentrations of methylxanthines are found in baking and dark chocolate.   Semisweet and milk chocolate contain lesser, yet still concerning concentrations.  The lowest concentrations are present in chocolate flavored commercial products and baked goods.   White chocolate contains negligible amounts of methylxanthines.  

Additionally, all types of chocolate and chocolate flavored products contain fat, sugar, and other ingredients that can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and pancreatitis.  

If you believe your pet has consumed a toxic substance, immediately seek advice from your local veterinarian or veterinary emergency hospital.  You may need to start a consultation with the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) by calling 888-426-4435.  The APCC is a service offered by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).  It is worth the $60 spent on this consultation, as a board-certified veterinary toxicologist will advise you and your veterinarian on how to best address your pet’s particular toxicity.  Helpful information can be also found on  www.aspca.org.