SAFETY REMINDER: THE HOLIDAYS ARE APPROACHING
EATING CHOCOLATE CAN BE POISONOUS AND FATAL TO YOUR DOG!
by Sharon Masnick
Y es, eating chocolate can be fa- tal for a dog, depending on the animal’s size and the amount of chocolate eaten. While most dogs may not have a craving for choc- olate, there are few that will refuse a treat that is offered to them. A substance known as theobromine is the culprit that poses a danger to dogs. It is a bitter, caffeine-related alkaloid that may cause the dog to fall victim to chocolate Toxicosis. The size of the dog and the amount eaten will determine the effects of theobromine. Symptoms of chocolate Toxicosis are similar to those caused by gas- trointestinal conditions. Indicators of a problem are diarrhea, vomiting,
To prevent this problem, pet owners need to educate all members of the family, friends, and neighbors about the real threat that chocolate can be to a dog’s life, especially during the holidays when everyone is busy. Chocolate is, after all, a favorite gift and it is easily accessible to most. This information may seem elemen- tary, but it is important to refresh our memories and be safety conscious.
hyperactivity, seizures, rapid heart rate, muscle tremors, and a lack of bladder control. Veterinary treatment should be sought immediately. The treatment will depend on how quickly the ani- mal is seen after ingesting the choco- late. If the chocolate was eaten in a re- cent period of time, the veterinarian might choose to induce vomiting to prevent massive absorption of theo- bromine into the animal’s system. If several hours have passed and theo- bromine has already been absorbed, the choice of treatment may be to administer activated charcoal to the dog to help remove the toxin from the dog’s system. The dog will have to be carefullymonitored for several hours.
“A SUBSTANCE KNOWN AS THEOBROMINE IS THE CULPRIT THAT POSES A DANGER TO DOGS. IT IS A BITTER, CAFFEINE-RELATED ALKALOID THAT MAY CAUSE THE DOG TO FALL VICTIM TO CHOCOLATE TOXICOSIS.”
My name is Sharon Masnick, and I have owned a Pomeranian since I was 18. I began to be interested in the entire Toy Group when, for 17 years, I han- dled the advertising and editorial for Top Notch Toys. I resigned in 2011 to pursue judging. I am now happy to say that I can judge BIS, the Toy Group, Junior Showmanship, Azawakhs, Shetland Sheepdogs, and several Non- Sporting breeds. I am a breeder-judge for Poms, Toy Fox Terriers, Japanese Chin, and Pekingese. ABOUT THE AUTHOR
38 • T op N otch T oys , N ovember 2021
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