What happens if the dog eats some chocolate?

Chocolate is a food that we humans adore, there are various types: milk, extra dark, with hazelnuts, white.

But have you ever eaten a piece and seen your dog's eyes begging you for a piece? Don't be moved by your dog's big eyes and avoid giving your dog chocolate, it's a real poison for him.

Unlike us humans, dogs do not have the enzymes necessary to metabolize cocoa, in particular two substances contained in it, theobromine which has toxic effects on both dogs and cats, and caffeine. Dark chocolate is even more toxic because the level of theobromine there is even higher as there is a higher percentage of cocoa than milk chocolate or white chocolate.

Fortunately, in the vast majority of cases dogs do not like the bitter taste of dark chocolate, so when cases of intoxication occur they are very often due to the intake of milk chocolate, where the concentration of theobromine and caffeine is lower. This does not affect the "ban" on giving any type of chocolate to dogs.

What harm can chocolate do to dogs?

Chocolate causes side effects related to digestion: it takes the dog 1 or 2 days on average to digest it. However, if the dog accidentally consumes a large quantity of chocolate, cases of vomiting, tremors, convulsions and diarrhea may occur.

What should I do if the dog eats chocolate?

If your dog ingests approximately 28 grams of chocolate per kg of dog, you must immediately take him to the veterinary emergency room because the dose could be lethal.

If he ingests less than 24 grams it is advisable to go to his vet who will most likely perform gastric lavage.

If the dog is a puppy, it is best to take it to the veterinary emergency room immediately to avoid poisoning. In any case, always consult your vet if your dog ingests chocolate.