
12/02/2025
Fur parents may be intrigued to know that “man's best friend” may be at risk from one of our favourite treats—chocolate 🍫. The potential hazards to humans of eating too much chocolate are well known (obesity and dental caries to name but two), but you may be unaware that chocolate is potentially lethal to dogs.
Chocolate is derived from the roasted seeds of the plant Theobroma cacao, and the main toxic components are the methylxanthine alkaloids theobromine and caffeine. Humans can easily digest and excrete methylxanthines, the half life of theobromine being 2-3 hours. However absorption in dogs is slow, with metabolism in the liver and extrahepatic recirculation before excretion in the urine. The half life of theobromine in dogs is about 18 hours.
Theobromine primarily affects the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and respiratory system.
The first signs of poisoning in dogs include vomiting (sometimes with blood), and increased thirst. Other signs may include hyperexcitability, hyperirritability, increased heart rate, excessive panting, seizure, and muscle twitching. Effects may progress to irregular heart rhythm and death.
Most symptoms will begin to appear within two hours of ingestion, but, as theobromine is metabolised slowly, it can take as long as 24 hours for them to appear and up to three days for recovery.
Although there is no specific antidote, supportive management includes induction of vomiting and administration of activated charcoal, oxygen, and intravenous fluids.
Source: F. Finlay; S. Guiton. 2005. NIH. National Library of Medicine.
"REMEMBER TO NEVER GIVE YOUR FURBABIES CHOCOLATES" 🐕🐈
For emergency concerns after ingestion of chocolates, you may send us a message through our facebook account or call us immediately through the numbers below.
📱 +63 927 658 9906
🩺 Seika Veterinary Clinic, Bagulin Road, Ortiz, Naguilian, La Union (searchable via waze and google maps 🗺️)