"Chocolate Poisoning"

What To Do If Your Puppy Overdoses on Chocolate

Introduction

Dogs with chocolate poisoning will exhibit signs of nervousness, hypertension, diarrhea, urinary incontinence (uncontrollable urination), panting, excitement, seizures or, in extreme cases, death.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You'll Need

Dog Dishes

Towels

Hydrogen Peroxides (H2O2)

Ipecacs

Turkey Basters

Steps

Step One

Use these treatments if your dog is showing symptoms of having recently ingested a large amount of chocolate. However, avoid using these treatments on dogs that are having seizures. In either case, call or take the dog to the vet immediately.

Step Two

Make a 1-to-1 solution of 3 percent standard hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and water.

Step Three

Give your pet the appropriate amount: For every 10 lbs. of your dog's body weight, give 1 tbsp. peroxide/water solution. For example, a 20-lb. dog will need 2 tbsp. peroxide/water solution.

Step Four

Pour the peroxide/water solution into a turkey baster and squirt it into your dog's mouth to induce vomiting.

Step Five

Watch for vomiting.

Step Six

Wait another 10 minutes if the dog has not vomited in 5 minutes. If your dog has not vomited after the full 15 minutes, re-administer the peroxide/water solution using the same dosage.

Step Seven

Administer 1/4 tsp. ipecac to your dog as an alternative way to induce vomiting.

Step Eight

Avoid giving a third dosage of peroxide/water solution or ipecac if your dog still has not vomited, as that could be dangerous.

Step Nine

Call the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 4ANIHELP or (800) 548-2423. Be prepared to pay a consulting fee.

Tips & Warnings

Consult your veterinarian to learn the exact amounts of the emetics to use for your individual dog's size and weight.

Although not all types of chocolate are equally harmful, they contain the alkaloids theobromine and caffeine, which can be toxic to dogs. A lethal dose for a 20-lb. dog requires 10,000mg of alkaloids.

Baking chocolate has the highest alkaloid content and the highest potential to make your dog seriously ill. One oz. of baking chocolate has a 400mg alkaloid content, 1 oz. of dark chocolate has 150mg, and 1 oz. of milk chocolate has 50mg.

This page was last updated: June 18, 2008