While humans metabolize the theobromine in chocolate quickly, dogs have difficulty doing so and it can cause a buildup of toxicity in their systems. Size matters, of course, and a larger dog can handle more chocolate than a small dog without dangerous consequences, and there is a great online calculator at petmd.com you can use to determine if you need to take your dog to the emergency vet. Warning signs of chocolate poisoning include GI upset, vomiting, restlessness or hyperactivity, increased heart rate, diarrhea, rapid breathing, muscle tension, and seizures. Dark chocolate contains more theobromine than other types of chocolate, and symptoms can begin to manifest within 2-24 hours after ingestion.
Best thing to do is to keep those lovely chocolates in a closed cupboard, protecting your dog from risk. Easier to never have the problem at all than to have to try and deal with it and the expensive bills that can go along with it.
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This article originally appeared in Pets in the City Magazine Owning a raw pet food store, every single day I am answering questions about why a raw food diet is superior to your average dry pet food. So I was thrilled when Pets in the City Magazine asked me to write a Q&A about the most common raw pet food questions I get from day to day. Here goes! Q. How is raw different from kibble?
Q. My vet says raw diets aren’t balanced.
Q. Don’t we need the kibble to clean my pet’s teeth?
Q. What illnesses can be avoided or improved with a raw diet?
Even just mixing in a little ground beef to your kibble or raw chicken when you are cooking for your own family can help your dog or cat stay healthier. Another thing to consider is that many dogs and cats on raw diets avoid numerous health problems that can lead to expensive veterinary bills. So consider what you could save on vet bills when considering whether you can afford it. Many people do dry or dehydrated diets and mix in whatever raw they can afford with good results. There is a reason I have made it my career to spread the word about raw diets. I saw my own terrier Baxter go from a little old man at six to a young pup again, and at 11 today his whitening hair is the only evidence of his advancing age. There is a reason raw pet food is the fastest-growing segment of the pet food industry. Because it really does make a difference.
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AuthorI may sell pet food, but I also have a Master's Degree in History. Anyone want to talk British Navy stuff? No? You just want the pet food stuff? Ok... Archives
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