Have you ever come across people saying, “Induce vomiting; dog ate chocolate.” Dogs are attracted to chocolate naturally because of its sweet smell. They love to eat it just like us, but the harsh reality is that chocolate isn’t for them.
Can chocolate kill a dog?
Most people who have dogs in their homes should know that dogs cannot eat chocolate. Some of them already know about this fact, and some do not. In common language, it is usually called chocolate poisoning, and veterinarians call it theobromine poisoning. It can kill your pup. So, the first thought that comes to our mind in such a situation is, “How to make a dog throw up after eating chocolate.” Let’s figure out the answer to this important query.
How To Make A Dog Throw Up After Eating Chocolate?
If someone is sure that his/her dog ate chocolate, he/she should not wait for the symptoms to happen and should try to throw it up from the dog’s stomach as soon as possible. He/she should always have a first-aid kit with the following necessary things
- 3% Hydrogen peroxide
- Bentonite clay
- Activated charcoal
- 50 cc disposable syringe or turkey baster
- Milk of magnesia (slow the absorption of theobromine into the body)
- Gauze and bandages
- Adhesive tape
- Scissors with rounded tips
- Tweezers (To remove splinters or ticks)
- Disposable gloves
- Antiseptic wipes
“Every dog owner should learn “how to make a dog vomit after eating chocolate” in the right way. As the first hour after eating chocolate is crucial, first aid is essential. Finding a veterinarian is good but in case of an emergency, as a pet parent, you have to be prepared to take responsibility for saving your furry friend.”
The following steps need to be done when a dog eats a chocolate,
Step 1: Assessment of the quantity of chocolate the dog ate:
Assess about
- When and how much did the dog eat the chocolate
- Which type of chocolate did he eat
- What is his weight
- What is his present condition now
All these points will help you decide whether to take the dog to a pet clinic or not; when you talk to a veterinarian, he/she will tell you about the severity of chocolate poisoning and either induce vomiting by yourself or take the dog to him/herself.
Step 2: Try to Make the dog vomit:
The next step in our guide on “how to make your dog throw up after eating chocolate” is inducing vomiting. If you are sure that it has not passed an hour since the dog ate the chocolate, you should try to get it out.
Use 3% Hydrogen peroxide and mix it with an equal quantity of water; give 3 tablespoons of it to the dog with a weight of 45 pounds. Make sure that the dog swallows it completely with the help of a 50 cc syringe in his throat.
Wait for at least 10 to 15 minutes; if the dog does not vomit, then try this again, but only once. If he still doesn’t vomit, then take the dog to the veterinarian and go with activated charcoal.
Step 3: Use of activated charcoal:
As a second procedure, go with activated charcoal if appropriate after discussion with the veterinarian. It can block the absorption of theobromine into the body. Activated charcoal can cause hypernatremia (increased sodium in the blood) if used in large quantities. Hypernatremia can be risky for the dog, so use this chemical very carefully.
Step 4: Use of Bentonite clay:
The use of Bentonite clay can also be beneficial along with the activated charcoal in the process of how to make your dog vomit after eating chocolate. Bentonite clay can absorb the toxins from the dog’s body before they enter the liver and kidneys.
Bentonite clay saves the epithelium of the gut and stops the absorption of the toxins. It can also cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in the dog, which is quite good in the case of chocolate poisoning.
Give Bentonite clay with liquid food in a glass or ceramic bowl; don’t use a metal bowl for this purpose, as Bentonite clay reacts with metals chemically. Bentonite clay absorbs large quantities of water as well, so to avoid constipation, the dog should drink plenty of water repeatedly.
Why Is Chocolate Toxic For The Dogs:
Chocolate consists of the mentioned-worthy amount of methylxanthine, which includes caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. These products are not harmful to humans, but theobromine from the list is the most toxic for dogs.
What Are Signs And Symptoms Of Dog Eating Chocolate: Chocolate Poisoning
Some general signs and symptoms are given below,
- The initial start of vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Restlessness and hyperactivity
- Agitation
- Excessive urination
- Increased thirst
- Panting
In severe chocolate poisoning,
- Increased body temperature
- Muscle stiffness and rigidity
- Increased heart rate
- Increased respiratory rate
- Tremors and shaking
- Seizures, fits, and even death
Which Type Of Chocolate Is More Toxic:
We have already discussed “how to make your dog throw up chocolate,” but many times, you have heard that it’s not good to make your dog vomit at home. Yes, the concern is real, as induced vomiting at home may cause serious issues and can be dangerous. But remember that the type of chocolate also matters.
“Induce vomiting in dog after eating chocolate doesn’t only depend on the quantity of bar or your pup’s size, the chocolate type also matters the most. The quantity of theobromine and caffeine varies as per chocolate type. Thus, each bar’s effect on dogs also varies a lot.”
There are three main types of chocolate available in the market; their names and the quantity of theobromine and caffeine in them are given below:
- Cacao beans contain 300-1500 mg/oz of theobromine and 120-400 mg/oz caffeine.
- Cocoa powder contains 400-737 mg/oz of theobromine and 230-400 mg/oz of caffeine.
- Dark chocolate contains 120 to 180 mg/oz of theobromine and 22 mg/oz caffeine.
- Milk chocolate contains 41 mg/oz of theobromine and 5.8 mg/oz caffeine.
- White chocolate consists of 0.25 mg/oz of theobromine and almost zero caffeine.
- Baking chocolate contains almost 350 to 400 mg/oz of theobromine and 21 mg/oz caffeine.
From the above calculations, we can withdraw the result that dark and baking chocolates are more toxic as they contain large quantities of theobromine and caffeine as compared to others. So, if your furry friend has eaten chocolate, you should follow the steps of how to make dog throw up chocolate immediately.
Dog Treats Have Chocolate: What Vets Say About It?
how to make a dog throw up chocolate
According to Renee Schmid and Ahna Brutlag, the DVM, DABVT, and DABT from VCA Hospitals.
Opt for carob in dog treats – a safe chocolate alternative. Some dog bakeries use a bit of milk chocolate, usually in low theobromine amounts, deemed safe by vets. Still, it’s best to skip chocolate treats for your furry friend, as most veterinarians advise against it.
How Much Chocolate Is Toxic to Dogs?
It is important to check how much chocolate is toxic to dogs. There is a dog chocolate toxicity meter and dog chocolate toxicity calculator that will help you tell how much chocolate your dog takes in will have adverse effects based on their weight. While using this meter to check the dog’s capacity, also call the veterinarian.
Call Your Veterinarian
Chocolate is unhealthy for your dog; therefore, if your dog eats chocolate, immediately call your veterinarian, animal poison control ((888) 426-4435), or emergency veterinarian.
How to Stop or Prevent Your Dog from Eating Chocolate
You can keep your dog away from eating chocolate by following the preventive measures.
Hide Your Chocolate
Ensure that all chocolate items should be away from your dog’s reach. These items include hot chocolate mix, cocoa powder, and milk chocolate. Place chocolate in a closed-door cupboard or on a high shelf. Kids and guests should have special instructions about keeping chocolate away from dogs. Don’t leave chocolate on the countertop, purse, or on the table that is within reach of dogs. These instructions are more important during holidays and make sure to keep easter baskets, Valentine’s Day candy, Trick-or-treat bags, and Christmas stockings away from dogs’ reach.
Teach The Command “Leave It”
As we know, many dog owners give commands to their dogs to do something and to avoid different things. In the same way, give your dog a command to leave it. This command is extremely effective in keeping your pup away from anything, dangerous or not, that is on the ground, including chocolate. Leave it (anything on the floor) is a very easy and impressive command to teach to your puppy; it can save your canine from various harmful substances even when you are not around.
Crate Train Your Dog
Crate training your dog is the safest way to make sure your dog never eats anything harmful. Find a strong and large dog crate, even for small ones. Remember that it should have the capacity to make your dog stand up comfortably and turn around easily. Make sure that the place is comfortable and safe to retreat when you cannot watch them, or they are alone. To make them comfortable in the crate, give them their favorite stuffed chew toys like Shark Dog Toys, treats, and favorite blankets.
Conclusion:
From the above discussion, we can conclude that chocolates, especially dark and baking ones, are poisonous for dogs. Once you get that your dog has eaten a bar of chocolate, you should assess his condition and consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible; if he allows you, then manage him at home as mentioned above in our guide on “how to make a dog throw up after eating chocolate” otherwise take him to a pet clinic for stomach wash and maintenance of vitals. The veterinarian will decide on a further treatment plan, whether to discharge or keep the dog hospitalized for a few days.
