I’m reaching out because I’m genuinely baffled and a bit shaken by what happened last night. So, I have this adorable, goofy Labrador named Max who’s a total foodie, always sniffing around for any scrap he can find. Yesterday evening, in a moment of chaos as we had guests over, Max somehow managed to get onto the kitchen counter and devour an entire bar of dark chocolate. I freaked out because I've read so many scary things about chocolate being toxic for dogs. I called the emergency vet, tears in my eyes, sure I’d be rushing him in. But here's the crazy part—besides a little bit of restlessness and a gurgly stomach, he seems pretty normal today. He's eating, drinking, and even begging for his usual morning walk. I’m relieved but also puzzled. How did he escape a situation that seemed so dire and dangerous? Is there still something I should be watching out for? If anyone's been through something similar or has advice, I'd really appreciate it!
Hello there! It’s definitely quite a relief to hear your dog seems to be okay after such a scare. Dark chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which can be quite harmful to dogs. However, the effect can vary significantly based on factors like your dog's size, age, and overall health, as well as how quickly the chocolate was eliminated from their system.
Your dog might have been lucky by either not consuming as much chocolate as you thought, having a resilient constitution, or perhaps you took quick action that helped mitigate the effects. Dogs can sometimes vomit or have diarrhea after eating chocolate, which might prevent some of it from being absorbed.
While your pup appears fine, it's crucial to keep an eye on them for several hours up to a few days. Signs like vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, restlessness, or seizures can indicate that there may still be an issue.
At home, ensure your dog drinks plenty of water. It helps flush out any remaining toxins. If your dog seems hyperactive or agitated, try keeping them in a calm environment to reduce stress.
Please consider booking a video consult with one of our vets at Dial A Vet to discuss what happened and ensure your dog's continued well-being. It's always better to be safe when it comes to these sorts of situations!
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