I have a serious love for chocolate—who doesn’t, right?
Over the years, I've become very aware of my chocolate addiction.
I also know that with dogs and cats in the house, I can't leave chocolate lying around where they can get to it.
⬇️IN CASE YOU DIDN'T KNOW⬇️
Chocolate Is Extremely Toxic to Dogs and Cats!
As a first-time fur-baby guardian I had no idea that chocolate was toxic to cats and dogs. I really have no idea how my furries survived, as back in the day chocolate was literally everywhere in my house.
So, like a Nestle Kit Kat, let's break this toxic chocolate business down:
Why is chocolate toxic to cats and dogs?
Chocolate contains both theobromine and caffeine which if consumed in large quantities can be toxic to both cats and dogs. Theobromine is absorbed much more slowly in cats and dogs than what it is in people, so even a small amount can be toxic to a small cat or a small dog. Caffeine is very similar to theobromine, in which both can speed up your cat and dog's heart rate and stimulate their nervous system
Each cat and dog will have different sensitivity levels to caffeine and theobromine; even if you think they have only ingested a little bit of chocolate it is always best to treat them straight away.
For dogs and cats, the most toxic type of chocolate is cocoa powder followed by unsweetened bakers chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, dark chocolate and then milk chocolate. White chocolate contains only trace amounts of caffeine and theobromine but is still bad for your cat or dog and should still be avoided.
What symptoms do you need to look out for?
The symptoms will vary depending on what type of chocolate has been eaten and also their body weight, however if your dog or cat has managed to get into the chocolate stash then you will usually see symptoms within the first 6-12 hours. Symptoms can last for as long or up to 3 days in severe cases.
Common symptoms include:
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Restlessness/hyperactivity
Increased urination/thirst
Tremors
Increased heart rate
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I am always asked in toxic conditions if you should induce vomiting. My answer is always NO. The reason being around this is if you haven't actually seen your cat/dog eat something specific then you don't know what you are dealing with.
If your dog/cat has ingested something caustic and then you induce vomiting it will cause internal burning of the esophagus causing more damage and pain. If you are in any doubt, your first point of contact is your local vet. You can always administer homeopathic remedies while you are on the phone to the vet seeking advice.
What homeopathic remedy(s) can I give?
There are several homeopathic remedies that can help support your fur-baby's recovery and alleviate symptoms related to toxicity.
Below are my top two homeopathic remedies that I tend to reach for when toxic/poisoning symptoms arise:
Arsenicum: This remedy can be beneficial if your fur-baby experiences symptoms like restlessness, anxiety, or diarrhea after ingesting chocolate. It’s often used for fur-baby's that tend to be quite fearful and anxious, they like having their guardian around as they fear being alone especially when they aren't feeling their best.
Nux vomica: This remedy is often given in instances when your fur-baby has had too much rich food or has overeaten in general resulting in colic, distention, vomiting or diarrhea. Nux vomica can help a fur-baby that has been poisoned by wrong food. This remedy is often used as a clearing remedy to assist in the removal of toxins and wastes.
Remember, be safe rather than sorry, by keeping all chocolate out of reach. If you do suspect your fur-baby has ingested any chocolate, contact your animal homeopath or vet right away.
The safest thing you can do is keep the chocolate out of reach, or just do what I do; eat it so fast that they don't have a hope!
Happy Easter everyone and enjoy that chocolate!
