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

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What is obesity in pets?  

It can be challenging to recognize that your pet is overweight or obese, especially in extra fluffy or longhaired breeds. Obesity is a nutritional disease caused by an excessive amount of adipose or fat tissue accumulation in your pet’s body. In most cases a pet is considered obese when their body weight exceeds more than 15% of their ideal weight. A pet’s body type, activity level, genetics, and nutritional needs are factored into determining their ideal weight. Additionally, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention has established an ideal weight range chart  that can be used to evaluate a pet’s obesity risk. As a general rule, you should be able to feel your pet’s ribs but not be able to see them or have to search for them if they are at an appropriate weight. During your preventive care visits, your family veterinarian will weigh your pet and assign them a body condition score (BCS) that is recorded in their medical record and used to determine if they are a healthy weight. 

Pet obesity disease risks and signs

Your pet’s excess weight can lead to an increased risk for numerous medical problems because of special fat proteins that are released and that can cause body inflammation. Common diseases associated with pet obesity include:

• Osteoarthritis and intervertebral disc disease — Excess weight causes increased stress on your pet’s joints and can exacerbate cartilage breakdown which leads to arthritis or back pain. Signs may include difficulty lying down, limping, muscle wasting, and decreased interest in playing.   
• Diabetes and insulin resistance — Inflammation caused by excess weight can result in a pet’s inability to process glucose properly, and this can lead to diabetes, a potentially life-threatening condition. Signs may include increased thirst and urination, weight loss, cloudy eyes, and chronic skin or urinary infections. 
• Kidney disease —High blood pressure is a consequence of obesity, and this can lead to decreased blood circulation to vital organs including the kidneys. Signs may include increased thirst, increased urination, dehydration, and weight loss. 
• Heart and lung disease — Excess fat along the chest and abdomen can cause pressure on the heart and lungs which can result in decreased oxygen levels. Signs may include increased panting and abnormal breathing. 
• Cancer — Like overweight humans, obese pets have an increased risk for certain cancers. Cancer signs are variable depending on the location and tumor type and may include decreased appetite, pain, non-healing wounds, lethargy, and weight loss. 

Pet obesity diagnosis and treatment 

Bring your pet in for a veterinary examination if you suspect they are obese, or if they are showing associated disease signs. Your veterinarian will perform a nose-to-tail examination which will include a weight and BCS evaluation. Diagnostic tests may include blood work to check for infection and overall organ health and a urinalysis to evaluate your pet’s bladder health and kidney function. Hormone tests also may be recommended to rule out underlying causes for your pet’s obesity such as hypothyroidism. Imaging such as X-rays may be recommended to examine your pet’s organs and joints. 

Treatments will be based on the underlying cause of your pet’s obesity. Pets with severe signs such as breathing or heart problems may require a hospital stay for oxygen therapy, monitoring, and required treatments. Your veterinarian will discuss a weight loss plan which may include specialized diets and an exercise program. 

Financial options for obesity treatments in pets

Pets who are on a weight loss program or who are undergoing treatment for diseases such as arthritis or diabetes may require a hospital stay and several veterinary check-ups which can result in a large veterinary bill. However, purchasing a pet health insurance plan like Trupanion can ensure funds are available for emergency treatments and long-term care. Trupanion can pay your veterinary clinic directly which eliminates the need to submit paperwork and wait for reimbursements. Other financial options available to cover treatment costs include Care Credit, Scratch Pay, pet health savings accounts, and short-term loans. 

Pet obesity prevention 

Discuss with your veterinarian the best nutritional and exercise plan for your pet. Your pet’s daily calorie needs will be based on several factors including their breed and activity level, but this chart provides a range. Pets who maintain a healthy weight live more than two years longer than pets who are obese and have fewer medical problems. Obesity prevention tips include:

• Incorporating daily activity such as short, frequent walks into your pet’s routine
• Taking your pet for yearly or more frequent veterinary visits to monitor their weight and overall health
• Ensuring your pet’s treats make up no more than 10% of their total daily calories
• Using a measuring cup to ensure you are feeding your pet the correct amount of food
• Regularly checking your pet’s BCS with this chart to evaluate their weight in between veterinary visits

Bring your pet to your family veterinarian to discuss weight loss options and treatments for associated problems. If your pet develops obesity-related complications such as breathing problems or pain, Animal Emergency Care is available to help 24 hours a day. #AECprevents

The post Too Much of a Good Thing: The Pet Obesity Problem appeared first on Animal Emergency Care (AEC) Bellingham, WA.