Meet Cagney. Cagney is a 7 year old cocker spaniel that got a surprise visit to his vet after he decided to help himself to some chocolate covered cranberries. Now that the holiday season is upon us, many of us are surrounded by all sorts of chocolate. Normally this isn't a bad thing, however, for all the dog owners out there it can become disastrous. Chocolate is toxic in dogs because it contains the alkaloid theobromine. Theobromine is similar to caffeine and is used in medicine as a diuretic, heart stimulant, blood vessel dilator, and a smooth muscle relaxant. Theobromine can be poisonous in large amounts. Cagney ate a questionable amount. Once at the vet, he was given a medication that made him vomit up the chocolate. This medication usually only works if it is given soon after ingestion. Once we saw how much Cagney had eaten, the amount was no longer questionable. He ha consumed a potentially dangerous amount. Treatment is based on amount. In cases where the chocolate was eaten hours before, or the time is unknown, activated charcoal is given to block the absorption of theobromine. Depending on the history and the response of early treatments, other supportive care (fluids) may be in order.In the pictures above you will see Cagney getting activated charcoal. A messy but very effective treatment. Cagney went home the same day and is doing great.
Please be careful all year long but especially around the holidays. Keep track of how much chocolate you have and keep it out of reach. If there is any question, it is better to play it safe.
