Chocolate |
| Q: With Halloween approaching we all worry about our children eating too much candy and getting sick. Last year our dog got into my son's Halloween candy stash and ate nearly all of it. He got really sick but recovered. Can candy kill our beloved pets? A: This is a very good question and one that is frequently asked in my practice. As many of you have probably heard, chocolate can be toxic to pets. Theobromine is the main toxic component to chocolate. It is similar to caffeine in coffee. Humans are able to break down the effects of caffeine over time and the symptoms of excitation wane. Dogs and cats are unable to rid their systems of this chemical as quickly and the end result can be seizures or even death if enough chocolate is consumed. Pure bakers chocolate is much more dangerous than milk chocolate products. A 30 pound dog would have to eat eight, four ounce solid milk chocolate bars to cause problems. As far as pets consuming other types of candy, usually only gastrointestinal problems will be seen. Vomiting and diarrhea are the most common symptoms just as in the consumption of smaller quantities of chocolate. Lastly, please keep you black cats inside during the week of Halloween to insure their safety. To all of you and your pets I wish a safe and happy Halloween! |
