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Christmas Can Be An Intoxicating Time
Released on Monday 06, April 2009
Since its discovery more than 2000 years ago, chocolate has soothed millions of broken hearts and won countless more. It’s a guilty pleasure for humans, but the RSPCA warns that for our pets, particularly dogs with their indiscriminate eating habits and ‘sweet tooth’, it can be downright deadly.
One of the primary toxic dangers for our furry friends lies in a substance called theobromine - a naturally- occurring stimulant found in cocoa beans, and all chocolate. Dogs are unable to metabolise theobromine quickly and its accumulation (and to a lesser extent caffeine, also a stimulant found in chocolate) causes chocolate intoxication – a deceptively pleasant name for a serious problem.
Initially the high fat and sugar content of chocolate can cause vomiting and diarrhea, bloating, and restlessness. However more serious symptoms including intense hyperactivity, excessive urination, cardiac arrhythmia and seizures can begin to manifest six to 12 hours later as the chemicals reach a dangerous level. It can also lead to pancreatitis 24 to 72 hours after ingestion.
If left untreated, the effects of eating chocolate (depending on the size of the dog and the amount ingested) could lead to death.
According to vets at the University of Melbourne, the effects of theobromine and caffeine vary with the size of the dog and the type of chocolate - generally the darker the chocolate the more toxic it is.
Eating 50gm of dark chocolate per 5kg of a dog’s weight or 200gm of milk chocolate per 5kg can be dangerous. The chemicals can also enter mother’s milk and affect pups.
RSPCA Tasmania says this was a very real threat and one that should be avoided.
“The easiest way to prevent chocolate intoxication is to use a little common sense and not feed your pets chocolate,”
“It sounds so simple, but people have no idea what the effect is going to be and how much is safe. Although the toxic dose of theobromine (and caffeine) for pets is considered to be between 100 and 200mg per kilo, which is a big range to begin with, reports suggest that as little as 20mg per kilo can have an impact – so you just never know.
“And it’s not just dogs ... Cats and other species like rats and mice can be affected as well.
“If you want to spoil your dog or your cat this Easter, there are plenty of alternatives – try a new toy or creating your own tasty treats fresh from the kitchen or with the additional public holidays coming up, an extra long walk would surely be appreciated.”
Cocoa powder and cooking chocolate are the most dangerous forms followed by dark chocolate and, finally milk chocolate.
Download assets/files/media-releases/Easter Can Be An Intoxicating Time.pdf.