Why is chocolate toxic to dogs?
Chocolate contains a compound called theobromine, which is a stimulant similar to caffeine. Theobromine is present in cocoa which is extremely toxic to dogs and other pets. While humans can metabolise theobromine relatively quickly, dogs struggle to process it, which can lead to toxic levels of the compound building up in their system.
The more concentrated the compound, the more dangerous it is for your pooch. In simple terms, the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is due to the higher levels of cocoa (and therefore Theobromine). That being said, ALL chocolate is dangerous for pooches and you should take care to keep all chocolatey treats out of your dog’s reach.
What to do if your dog eats chocolate:
If your dog displays any of the following symptoms, they may be suffering from Theobromine poisoning and the advice of a veterinarian should be sought immediately.
- restlessness
- hyperactivity
- nervousness
- trembling
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- increased drinking and increased urination
- increased heart rate
- muscle tremors
- seizures
If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, even a small amount, it’s essential to contact your veterinarian right away. The good news is that if acted on immediately, a vet can make the pet regurgitate the chocolate before they’ve had a chance to digest it and show any symptoms.
What about raisins…why are raisins toxic to dogs?
Sultanas, as well as raisins and grapes, are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure from only one grape or sultana. They contain tartaric acid, which varies in amount depending on the type, ripeness and size of the grape of sultana which is why they can have such varied impacts.
The toxic effect of sultanas on dogs appears to be unrelated to the dog’s size, breed, or sex, and even a small amount of sultanas can cause serious health problems in some dogs.
What to do if your dog eats a raisin:
Symptoms of sultana toxicity in dogs may include vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain, and increased thirst and urination. Often the impact is so severe the dog ends up in kidney failure rapidly after consuming it. If you suspect that your dog has ingested sultanas or any other grape product, it’s important to seek veterinary attention immediately.
