My dog ate a chocolate chip cookie! What should I do?

Dear Dog Bakery,

Recently, my dog ate a chocolate chip cookie. What should I do?

-Anxious Dog Owner

Dear Anxious Dog Owner,

Although you may need to have your dog treated immediately, it’s not necessary to panic. There are many options for treatment and your vet may have dealt with similar cases. The most important thing is to not panic. Your dog will be fine as long as you maintain a calm and level head.

What should I be looking out for?

You’ll have to assess the situation and determine its severity. You should try to determine how many cookies your dog ate. Although you should call your vet immediately, it is less stressful if your dog steals one cookie than if they steal the whole batch.

Are Some Cookies More Dangerous Than Others?

Depending on the type and quality of the chocolate used, yes. Chocolate is not an allergic substance for dogs, but there are two chemical compounds in cocoa beans that can cause allergies: theobromine and caffeine.

Milk chocolate, which contains more sugar and cream than actual chocolate, has a lower impact than dark chocolate which contains a higher percentage of cocoa. The toxic effects of chocolate on dogs are stronger the darker it is.

When should I call the vet?

It all depends on what type of chocolate you eat and how much. You may not need to be concerned if you only have a small amount low-cocoa chocolate. Your vet can help you describe your situation as fully as possible. They can then give you their next steps, whether it’s a visit or monitoring Fido for the next few days.

However, higher cocoa concentrations and larger amounts may require more immediate action. It is always worth asking your veterinarian for advice if you don’t have the time.

You should get to an emergency vet immediately if your dog is already in poor health. Your pup can then have their stomach pumped to reduce the effects of chocolate. You can expect your furry friend to feel a little out of it for a few days, but they will soon bounce back!

FAQ

It’s essential to understand the basics of dog care in order to be able to properly treat your dog. We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about how to treat dogs who eat hazardous foods.

Why is chocolate so dangerous for dogs?

You probably already know that chocolate is made from cocoa beans. The cocoa plant naturally produces caffeine and theobromine as a defense mechanism. These compounds are not harmful to humans and can even be beneficial in certain cases. However, they are extremely toxic to pets.

How much chocolate is dangerous?

This question is complicated because there are many factors. Naturally, larger dogs will have higher tolerances for chocolate than smaller ones. You don’t need to worry about chocolates that contain less cocoa unless your dog has eaten a lot of it. Cocoa powder is a different story. It contains a high amount of caffeine and theobromine.

More concretely, veterinarians agree that chocolate consumption can have dangerous side effects. Your dog will be exposed to 50-60 mg of harmful chemicals per kilogram. Your dog will not be affected by grabbing a chocolate chip from the floor. However, it can quickly become dangerous if you don’t take action.

What are the Symptoms of Chocolate Poisoning

It all depends on how much was consumed. Your dog might experience diarrhea, vomiting, or upset stomach if they ingest smaller amounts. It may be unpleasant, but it is unlikely to cause lasting damage. Keep an eye on your dog to prevent things from getting out of control.

Higher doses can cause severe and even fatal effects. Dogs often develop cardiac problems, which can be followed quickly by seizures in severe cases. You should immediately seek emergency care if you notice any of the above symptoms.

How can I prevent chocolate poisoning?

First, make sure your dog cannot get to cocoa products. Although this may seem obvious, it is worth checking to make sure everything is safe. To keep your dog from eating chocolate products that have been spilled, you should teach them new words. Simple words or phrases such as “stay” and “not food” can help your dog stay put long enough to allow you to clean up any spills.

You may need more information about pet care or safe, tasty snacks for your pets. The Dog Bakery offers pet owners informational blogs, fun pet recipes, and quality baked goods for their best friend.