Many of us have experienced that moment when our hearts melt as our pets look longingly at a bite of food we’re eating.
However, when it comes to chocolate, you must not give them even a small piece.
Chocolate contains alkaloids—especially theobromine and caffeine—which can cause poisoning even in small amounts.
Symptoms of poisoning may include:
in severe cases: weakness, coma, and ultimately death. rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure (appearing as weakness or dizziness), irregular heart rhythm, in larger amounts: agitation, seizures/convulsions,
A 5 kg dog can develop poisoning after eating as little as 300 g of milk chocolate or 80 g of dark chocolate.
That’s why during the holiday season we should be especially careful to ensure our pets cannot access chocolate.
There is no specific antidote for chocolate poisoning. If symptoms appear—or if poisoning is suspected—contact a veterinarian immediately.
Our veterinarians in Szeged at the Kisállat-Ambulancia are available weekdays from 10:00 to 17:00.
