4 Signs That Your Dog May Have Eaten Chocolate
You have probably always heard that it's bad for dogs to eat chocolate. However, if you aren't careful, there is always the chance that your furry friend could get into your stash. If you find that your dog has consumed chocolate in any quantity, it is important to take it to a local animal hospital, such as Stewartstown Vet Services, as soon as possible. Then, your veterinarian can induce vomiting or use an IV to flush the chocolate out of your dog's stomach and prevent the chocolate from getting into your dog's bloodstream. These are a few signs that your dog might have eaten chocolate and might need to see a vet right away.
1. Vomiting
Although one of the main treatments that veterinarians suggest is inducing vomiting, there is a good chance that your dog will vomit on its own after consuming chocolate. You can also check your dog's vomit to look for signs of chocolate consumption, such as chewed-up chocolate wrappers or ingredients from the chocolate that you have in the house, such as nuts. Even after your dog has vomited, it's still a good idea to take them to the vet.
2. Excessive Energy
Just as children can get energetic from eating chocolate and adults can get a bit of a pick-me-up from eating it, dogs can get very hyper and energetic after consuming chocolate. Many owners think it's fun to see their dogs act this way, but if this is abnormal behavior for your pet, you should ensure that it has not eaten any chocolate. Along with playing energetically, your dog might show other energetic signs of chocolate consumption, such as pacing.
3. Extreme Thirst
If your dog simply will not step away from its water bowl, you should look for potential danger signs that your dog is sick. Extreme thirst could be a sign of a lot of problems, including chocolate ingestion. Basically, this is your dog's natural way of trying to flush the toxic chocolate out of its system.
4. Seizures
Many dogs suffer from seizures after consuming chocolate, especially if your dog is a smaller dog or if it consumed a very large quantity of chocolate. You should not hesitate to take your dog to an animal hospital if it is showing signs of seizures.
It isn't just an old myth that dogs can become very sick if they consume chocolate. In fact, your dog could die from chocolate ingestion. Luckily, taking it to an animal hospital will help you get your dog the treatment that it needs.