Watching Out for Valentine’s Chocolates, Champagne
February 12, 2009 by Paris and John
Filed under Health, Holidays & Your Dog
Valentine’s might mean chocolates and champagne at your house…but those gifts have no love for your dog! Both chocolate and alcohol are toxic to dogs so it’s important to keep that open box of chocolates or that half-finished glass of bubbly away from Fido!
Alcohol
Just five to eight ml of alcohol per kilo of body weight spells serious trouble for dogs. If you don’t see your dog drinking but notice unusual symptoms, get your dog straight to the vet. Usually symptoms of alcohol poisoning occur within an hour and dogs will exhibit symptoms much like a drunk person: a wobbly walk, sluggish response, and maybe even excitement or depression. If he’s had a lot to drink, he can experience slow breathing and even cardiac arrest.
Chocolate
Chocolate is a double whammy for dogs thanks to its inclusion of both theobromine and caffeine. Dark chocolate has more theobromine and is therefore more dangerous but any kind of chocolate should be kept away from your dog!
You may not see symptoms of chocolate poisoning for six to twelve hours after your dog has raided the candy box. Look for vomiting, diarrhea and hyperactivity and maybe even extreme thirst, and wobbliness. Get your dog to a vet immediately.
Make sure you and your dog enjoy a safe and happy Valentine’s Day. Keep an eye on the candy, the champagne, and the canines as you enjoy this celebration of love…both two- and four-legged!
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