Experienced and professional animal trainer provide their insights in answering this question :
A. If your dog has ingested a large amount of chocolate (darker chocolate is usually more toxic), it is best to contact your veterinarian immediately to see if it is safe to induce vomiting or if your dog will need to be seen for care. Your dog may also experience some digestive upset from eating the very rich food such as vomiting or diarrhea and may also benefit from a bland diet of boiled rice and chicken for a day or so.
How to Identify Common Pet Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced pet care professionals :
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs
The most common signs of toxicity from theobromine are vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, panting or restlessness, excessive urination, and racing heart rate. In severe cases, symptoms can include muscle tremors, seizures, and heart failure.
The sugar levels in chocolate can cause an upset stomach and diarrhea in your dog as well. One piece of chocolate should not harm your dog, but multiple pieces can harm your dog. Clinical signs depend on how much and the type of chocolate ingested.
No, chocolate Pop-Tarts are not safe for dogs.
Chocolate toxicity can result in vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, heart problems, seizures, and even death. If your dog ingests chocolate, take him to the veterinarian immediately.
Great Danes and Chocolate
It can take a relatively large amount of theobromine to cause a toxic reaction in a Great Dane – around 100 to 150 mg of theobromine per kilogram (about 2.2 pounds). For reference, one ounce of milk chocolate typically has 44 mg of theobromine.
It can take 6 to 12 hours for symptoms of chocolate poisoning to appear in your dog. So, if you already know your dog`s eaten chocolate, don`t wait for any of the above symptoms to appear, call your vet. If it`s after hours and your veterinarian`s clinic is, call a local emergency vet.
Clinical signs depend on the amount and type of chocolate ingested. For many dogs, the most common clinical signs are vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, panting or restlessness, excessive urination, and racing heart rate. In severe cases, symptoms can include muscle tremors, seizures, and heart failure.
Give your dog 3% hydrogen peroxide, one to two teaspoons for every ten pounds of weight. You can squirt this solution to the back of your dog`s tongue using a turkey baster, eye dropper or needless syringe. The taste and foam with prompt vomiting within five to ten minutes after administration.
Yes, dogs can eat bananas. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They`re high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog`s main diet.
Dogs can safely eat bread in much the same way as humans—in moderation. Plain white and wheat bread are generally safe for dogs to eat, provided they don`t have any allergies, and it usually does not cause any stomach upset.
Cheese can be given as an occasional treat in moderation, alongside a healthy diet. If your dog manages to eat a whole block or other large amount of cheese, they may vomit. Keep an eye on them, and call your vet for advice if they become unwell.
As a rule, try fasting your dog for 24 hours when they start vomiting—offer water, but no food. If they continue to vomit during that period of time, they need to have a veterinary exam. If the dog doesn`t vomit in those 24 hours, but then begins to vomit again after the 24-hour fast, they need to see a veterinarian.
Some dogs can eat chocolate and then appear perfectly fine. “If a dog ingests chocolate and does not show clinical signs, it`s simply because they did not ingest an amount of methlyzanthines [the active ingredients in caffeine] high enough to cross the toxic threshold,” says Dr.
Milk is a safe treat in small quantities. A few tablespoons of cow`s milk or goat`s milk on an occasional basis can be a nice reward for your dog. But, you should probably hold off on offering your dog an entire bowl in one sitting, as it can cause unpleasant reactions, including diarrhea, vomiting, and loose stools.
Some of the more concerning signs that indicate your dog has eaten something they shouldn`t include: vomiting, shaking, panting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, and lethargy. Any of these symptoms could indicate that your dog ate something toxic.
Dark Chocolate: Use a scale of 1.5 ounces per 10 pounds of body weight. That`s 3 ounces for a 20 pound dog. If they`ve ingested that much or more, it`s time to call your vet. Milk Chocolate or Semi-sweet: A poisonous amount would be anything over 3.5 ounces- a standard size Hershey`s bar- for a small 10 pound dog.
How much chocolate can I eat a day? Experts say the recommended “dose” is approximately 1 to 2 ounces or 30-60g. Indulge in anything more than that, and you may be consuming too many calories. A 1.45-ounce (41 gram) Hershey`s Special Dark Chocolate Bar has 190 calories.
Any amount of chocolate is too much for your cat. All forms of chocolate are hazardous to your furry friend, such as dry cocoa powder and baking chocolate (most toxic due to their high level of theobromine), dark, semi-sweet, and milk chocolate, and even white chocolate, with its low percentage of cocoa.
Squares of classic Baker`s chocolate were usually 1 oz each so, regardless of the brand, if the recipe calls for three squares, you should use three ounces of chocolate.
The number of calories in a single serving (or calories in 1 chocolate piece) of chocolate weighing 7 grams amounts to 37.
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning will usually show within six to 12 hours, but could appear within one hour. If you know your dog has eaten chocolate, act immediately and don`t wait for the signs to appear. We always recommend seeking veterinary advice if you have any concerns about the health of your pets.
Chocolate poisoning is very serious.
Theobromine is a long lasting, very potent toxin that can cause death. This toxicity is largely unfamiliar to most people, who may not worry too much if their dog vomits after eating a large quantity of chocolate. It is one of the most common poisonings to occur in dogs in the UK.
Large dogs can eat one-half of a banana a day, while small dogs should only have two to three small pieces daily. If you`re feeding your dog bananas for the first time, monitor them for signs of allergies.
Can most dogs eat yogurt? Yes, but that doesn`t necessarily mean that they should. While yogurt is not toxic to dogs, many canines might have trouble digesting it because it contains lactose. And plenty of pups have trouble with foods that contain lactose, such as milk.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Q. My greate dane is 8 years old and she ate 3 1/2 peaces of chocolate pop tarts
ANSWER : A. If your dog has ingested a large amount of chocolate (darker chocolate is usually more toxic), it is best to contact your veterinarian immediately to see if it is safe to induce vomiting or if your dog will need to be seen for care. Your dog may also experience some digestive upset from eating the very rich food such as vomiting or diarrhea and may also benefit from a bland diet of boiled rice and chicken for a day or so.
Read Full Q/A … : Great Dane – Wikipedia
Q. Does an indoor cat need to be vaccinated every year?
ANSWER : A. In practice, I recommend a feline combo vaccine every year, but will generally start administering every 3 years once they have had their kitten vaccines and 2 additional yearly vaccines. Rabies, is required yearly by law, and if kept up to date can be good for up to three years also. Based on the age of your cat I would give a yearly feline combo and rabies, and then boost the combo again next year.
Read Full Q/A … : Ask a Vet: How Often Do Cats Need Shots?
Q. My 9 year old lab has tested positive for heart worms. A feed store owner told me I could use Noromectin (ivermectin) to get rid of them? Is it safe?
ANSWER : A. The feed store owner is taking about the “slow kill” method for adult heartworms. This method is the considered an alternate method that has the following disadvantages over the normal immiticide treatment:
1) Takes years (often-times up to 2-4 years) to completely rid heartworms vs immiticide treatment which takes at most 3 months
2) Slowly kills baby worms only in the bloodstream, does not kill adult worms in the heart. Immiticide kills the adult worms that are in the heart directly which is why it is so effective.
3) Higher risk of thromboembolism (clots in the lung artery) than Immiticide treatment.
4) Adult worms will stay in the heart for years and can impede blood flow.
So that is the gist of doing the slow kill method for baby heartworms instead of the fast kill method with Immiticide for adult heartworms. Which is why most veterinarians will recommend the fast kill method as the best choice for your pets care.
1) Takes years (often-times up to 2-4 years) to completely rid heartworms vs immiticide treatment which takes at most 3 months
2) Slowly kills baby worms only in the bloodstream, does not kill adult worms in the heart. Immiticide kills the adult worms that are in the heart directly which is why it is so effective.
3) Higher risk of thromboembolism (clots in the lung artery) than Immiticide treatment.
4) Adult worms will stay in the heart for years and can impede blood flow.
So that is the gist of doing the slow kill method for baby heartworms instead of the fast kill method with Immiticide for adult heartworms. Which is why most veterinarians will recommend the fast kill method as the best choice for your pets care.
Read Full Q/A … : Heartworm Treatment and Home Remedies for Pets
Q. I have 2 male cats 1 is 10 year’s old and the other is 1 year old they both have been fix and have all there shorts the 1 year old wants to bit
ANSWER : A. Your question got cut off; please re-post or request a consult if you require advice on a specific query
Read Full Q/A … : Are Two or More Cats Better Than One? – The Daily Cat
Q. I have a 13 1/2 year old Shih Tzu. How old is he in dog years?
ANSWER : A. It’s used to be that dog years were 7 years to every 1. Now it normally around 5 years to every year as long as your dog is healthy and kept up with vaccines. So he’s about 68ish in dog years.
Read Full Q/A … : Shih Tzu Age
Q. Approx 8 years old, had her for 4 years, last couple months has been peeing in/out of her box on furniture,blankets,etc. Never had this behavior.
ANSWER : A. Most of the time when a cat is peeing on your personal belongings such as your bed or piles of clothing/blankets the cat is telling you it is upset about something. Try to think of what could have happened that brought change to the cat’s life. Such as a new baby, new house, new pet, change in routine. New food, new liter, ect. I would try to address what was the change if possible. Make sure to keep the box clean and try adding more boxes. 1 box per cat and 1 box per house story. (2 story house 2 cats = 2-4 boxes).
Read Full Q/A … : My Cat Is Peeing in Other Places Besides Her Litter Box …
Q. I have two 3 week old kittens that I am bottle feeding. The kittens both have diareaa and there buts are red. Is there anything I can do ?
ANSWER : A. Diarrhea in kittens can be caused by many things, including intestinal parasites (very common in kittens), wrong formula, recent changes in diet (from queen’s milk to formula or from one formula to another), and other gastrointestinal upsets. Their bottoms are likely red and irritated from the diarrhea soiling the fur and skin, trapping moisture against the skin and serving as a breeding ground for bacteria. First, stop feeding the formula. Second, collect a fecal sample to be analyzed by your veterinarian for intestinal parasites. Third, call your vet and make an appointment as soon as possible, ideally the same day. Diarrhea in kittens is serious business and can lead to death from dehydration and loss of nutrients. Finally, in place of formula give an electrolyte replacement solution (like Pedialyte for infants/children) – plain, no flavors, no colors – for at least the next 1-2 feedings. This is not the same as a sports drink. After the 1st or 2nd feeding of straight electrolyte replacement solution, start to add formula back into diet at 1/4 strength ( 1 part formula to 3 parts water), The following feeding mix 2 parts formula to 2 parts water. Then, 3 parts formula to 1 part water. Finally, offer full-strength formula. If the diarrhea continues or worsens with increasing amounts of formula, go back to just electrolyte solution and repeat the process.
Read Full Q/A … : Raising Orphaned kittens Part 2: What to do, week by week
Q. My cat is pooping outside of the litter bix. He is 2 1/2. He did this as a kitten. It stopped then started about 3 months ago. Litterbox is clean.
ANSWER : A. Inappropriate elimination or house soiling can be a frustrating problem but with a bit of detective work on your part, there is hope. First, before deciding that this is a behavioral issue, any medical problems (diarrhea, constipation, fecal incontinence, pain on defecation, etc.) need to be ruled out and/or treated. If your cat receives a clean bill of health from your vet but is still eliminating outside the litterbox, then we need to consider that something about the box itself might be aversive to your cat. Cats can be quite finicky about their litterbox and toileting habits. Below I have listed common recommendations and cat preferences for litterbox use. Review the list and make any changes that could account for your cat’s aversion to defecating in the litterbox:
* Soft, fine-grained clumping litter (vs, coarse-grained, non-clumping litter)
* Unscented
* 1 – 1 1/2 inch depth (especially older cats or cats with hip problems)
* Larger pans (especially for large cats) – want to get whole body inside – poop just outside the box might mean the box is too small
* Open, non-hooded
* At least one shallow side to get in and out easily
* Easy to get to – not hidden away, preferably in areas they spend time in or near – and not near appliances that make scary, unpredictable noises (washers, dryers, refrigerators)
* Scoop minimum 1X/day – preferably 2
* Clean the litterbox with soap and water and put in fresh scoopable litter at least once/month (instead of just continuously adding)
* Some cats prefer to urinate in one box and defecate in a separate box, so you may need 2 boxes even if you just have 1 cat. Multi-cat households should have 1 box/cat plus 1 extra.
* Soft, fine-grained clumping litter (vs, coarse-grained, non-clumping litter)
* Unscented
* 1 – 1 1/2 inch depth (especially older cats or cats with hip problems)
* Larger pans (especially for large cats) – want to get whole body inside – poop just outside the box might mean the box is too small
* Open, non-hooded
* At least one shallow side to get in and out easily
* Easy to get to – not hidden away, preferably in areas they spend time in or near – and not near appliances that make scary, unpredictable noises (washers, dryers, refrigerators)
* Scoop minimum 1X/day – preferably 2
* Clean the litterbox with soap and water and put in fresh scoopable litter at least once/month (instead of just continuously adding)
* Some cats prefer to urinate in one box and defecate in a separate box, so you may need 2 boxes even if you just have 1 cat. Multi-cat households should have 1 box/cat plus 1 extra.
Read Full Q/A … : Litter Box Aversion: Is it Medical or Behavioral?
