Why is chocolate dangerous for pets?

Chocolate toxicity occurs from excessive ingestion of the methylxanthine chemicals theobromine and caffeine which are present in variable amounts in most chocolates. In humans, these stimulant chemicals may be used as a diuretic, heart stimulant, blood vessel dilator, and smooth muscle relaxant. Pets cannot efficiently metabolize these stimulants and it can take more than four days for chocolate to process through their bodies. Dogs are more commonly affected by chocolate toxicity, but cats also may be affected. The severity of the toxicity depends on the amount and type of chocolate consumed. Darker, less sweet, and bitter chocolates generally contain higher levels of caffeine and theobromine. White chocolate and milk chocolate tend to have lower levels of toxic chemicals, but one ounce of milk chocolate per pound of body weight can be lethal for some dogs. Some chocolate-containing treats such as sugar-free candy or cake may be mixed with other toxic ingredients, including xylitol, raisins, or macadamia nuts.

Pets who ingest toxic amounts of chocolate are at risk for death because of cardiac arrest or central nervous system problems. Additionally, pets who ingest chocolate have an increased risk of developing pancreatitis, a dangerous inflammatory condition that can be life-threatening. Pets typically also will not discriminate between the candy wrapper and the treat, and wrappers can lead to upset stomachs and in more severe cases intestinal blockages. 

Chocolate toxicity signs in pets 

Chocolate toxicity signs may not be immediately obvious and can take several hours to develop in some cases. Signs are variable and depend on the amount and type of chocolate ingested. They can include: 

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Restlessness
• Agitation
• Hyperactivity
• Increased heart rate
• Increased thirst and urination
• Pale or blue gums
• Tremors 
• Hyperthermia
• Seizures

Chocolate toxicity diagnosis and treatment in pets 

A chocolate toxicity diagnosis is based on a pet’s ingestion history and clinical signs. Some pets will not show immediate signs of poisoning, but bring them in to your veterinarian immediately if you observe them eating anything that contains chocolate. Your veterinarian may induce your pet to vomit if the ingestion has occurred recently, but never induce vomiting in your pet yourself unless directed to do so by a veterinarian. Pets with severe toxicity signs or those who are experiencing seizures, hypothermia, or an irregular heart rate likely will require an extended hospital stay for emergency care and continued observation. Your veterinarian may recommend several blood tests to monitor for changes in your pet’s organ function and electrolytes. Treatments may include: 

• Heart rate and blood pressure monitoring
• Body temperature monitoring and specialized cooling pads
• IV fluids to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances and to decontaminate 
• Activated charcoal for toxin absorption
• Anti-nausea medication
• Gastroprotectant medications
• Muscle relaxants
• Anti-seizure medication

Financial planning for chocolate toxicity treatment in pets

Pets undergoing chocolate toxicity treatment often require an extended hospital stay and several checkups which can be expensive. However, pet health insurance like Trupanion can ensure you can cover the costs for your pet’s emergency care because of an accidental poisoning. Trupanion can pay your veterinary clinic directly, which may eliminate the need to submit paperwork and wait for reimbursements. Other alternative payment options include:

• Care Credit 
• Scratch Pay 
• Pet health savings accounts 
• Short-term loans 

Chocolate toxicity prevention in pets

Keeping any products containing chocolate out of paw’s reach is the easiest most important way of preventing chocolate toxicity in your pet. Always check the label before giving your pet human food treats to ensure they do not contain any chocolate or caffeine-containing products. Other prevention tips include:

• Storing household candy in a pet-proof container
• Covering all garbage cans to prevent ingestion of candy wrappers
• Never leaving candy bowls, desserts, or drinks containing chocolate liquor on the table or in a room with unsupervised pets
• Considering placing pets in a separate room during gatherings at which chocolate candies or desserts may be served

If you suspect your pet has ingested chocolate, or if they are showing chocolate toxicity signs, do not hesitate to seek treatment. Animal Emergency Care is available to help your pet any time, day or night. #AECprevents

The post Pet Poison Prevention: Understanding Chocolate Toxicity in Pets appeared first on Animal Emergency Care (AEC) Bellingham, WA.

#1: Why do I have to fill out so much paperwork before my pet sees the emergency veterinarian?  

A few minutes can feel like hours when your pet is experiencing an emergency, and it can be frustrating to take time to fill out required hospital forms. However, it is vital to provide information on your pet’s specifics such as their age, vaccine status, symptoms, and current medications, which helps ensure your pet does not receive any medications that could negatively react with their current treatments. It is also critical for the veterinary team to know if you would like your pet to be resuscitated if they should stop breathing or experience cardiac arrest. Fortunately, many of the required forms are available online which can save precious time when you arrive at the emergency veterinary hospital. 

After the veterinarian has assessed your pet, a staff member will explain a treatment plan and cost estimate. As with human hospitals, veterinary emergency care can be expensive and clear communication is required to ensure pet owners want to go forward with the recommended treatment. 

#2: Why does it take so long for my pet to be seen by the emergency veterinarian?  

Pet emergencies can happen at any time, and often multiple pets are waiting to be examined when you arrive at the hospital. Additionally, many family veterinarians rely on emergency veterinarians to monitor and care for their critically sick patients after hours. Each pet who arrives at a veterinary emergency hospital is triaged by a member of the nursing staff to ensure the most critically sick or injured pets receive immediate treatment.

#3: What happens when my pet goes into the emergency treatment area? 

Leaving your pet in the hands of a veterinary technician can be worrisome. Strange smells and people can be a lot for you and your pet to process when dealing with their emergency. The emergency trained staff will care for your pet in a compassionate and methodical manner to ensure they receive the treatment needed to address their illness or injury. Steps taken may include:

• Emergency resuscitation or oxygen therapy
• Placement of an intravenous (IV) catheter so that emergency medications or fluids can be quickly and easily administered 
• Placement in a comfortable cage that is labeled with your pet’s name
• Diagnostic workups which may include a blood draw or X-rays
• Regular monitoring of your pet’s vital signs
• Administration of treatments such as IV antibiotics or pain medication

#4: Why does the veterinary technician or receptionist call me with updates instead of the emergency veterinarian? 

Waiting for an update on the status of your pet can feel like an eternity. Each pet admitted into an emergency hospital will likely require several diagnostic tests to determine the best treatment plan. Diagnostics such as blood work can take time to run and interpret. Additionally, the veterinary technician staff monitors critical patients and runs diagnostic tests on all newly admitted pets. Each test and subsequent veterinary evaluation takes time. In most cases, a nurse or receptionist can reach out to you more quickly than the veterinarian who is responsible for continuously evaluating incoming emergencies as well as hospitalized patients.  

#5: Why is emergency veterinary care more expensive than my family veterinarian?  

It is not uncommon for pet owners to be concerned about the cost of their pet’s veterinary care, and emergency care is more expensive than taking your pet to your family veterinarian in most cases. Our Animal Emergency Care hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools to address problems that cannot be treated by your family veterinarian. Our hospital never closes, and this requires ample staff to provide services. Fortunately, multiple payment options are available to ensure you can cover the cost of your pet’s emergency care. Before a pet emergency occurs, consider purchasing a pet insurance plan like Trupanion which has policies that can pay your veterinary clinic directly and eliminate the need to submit paperwork and wait for reimbursements. Other payment options include:

• CareCredit
• Scratch Pay
• Pet health savings accounts
• Short-term loans

The more you know the better prepared you will be the next time your pet needs emergency treatment. Animal Emergency Care is available day or night for all your pet’s accidents, illnesses, and injuries. #AECprevents

The post What to Expect at the Emergency Vet: 5 Common Pet Owner Questions Answered appeared first on Animal Emergency Care (AEC) Bellingham, WA.