Cocoa
What is cocoa?
Cocoa is a product made from the seeds of the cocoa tree, which grows in tropical regions. The seeds are fermented, dried, roasted and processed into cocoa mass. From this, cocoa butter and cocoa powder are obtained, which are used as ingredients for chocolate and other confectionery.
Cocoa contains various ingredients that have a stimulating and mood-enhancing effect on the human body. These include the alkaloid theobromine, which is similar to caffeine, as well as phenylethylamine, tryptophan and anandamide.
Why is cocoa toxic to dogs?
Dogs have a different metabolism to humans and cannot break down theobromine as quickly as we can. This means that the alkaloid accumulates in their bodies and leads to poisoning. Theobromine affects the cardiovascular and nervous systems of dogs and can lead to the following symptoms:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- restlessness
- tremors
- convulsions
- palpitations
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- shortness of breath
- coma
- Death
The severity of the poisoning depends on the amount and type of chocolate the dog has eaten. The higher the cocoa content in the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains. White chocolate has hardly any theobromine, milk chocolate has about 2 mg per gram and dark chocolate has up to 26 mg per gram.
The lethal dose for a dog is around 100 to 200 mg of theobromine per kilogram of body weight. This means that just a few grams of dark chocolate can be fatal for a small dog.
What can you do if your dog has eaten chocolate?
If you notice that your dog has eaten chocolate or if you notice symptoms of poisoning, you should consult a vet immediately. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances of recovery.
The vet will try to prevent or reduce the ingestion of theobromine by making the dog vomit or administering activated charcoal. They will also give the dog IV fluids and, if necessary, medication for seizures or heart problems.
You can help your dog by not allowing him access to chocolate or other products containing cocoa. Always keep these out of his reach and make sure he doesn't eat any leftovers from the table or garbage can.
Cocoa is not a treat for dogs, but a poison. That's why you should give your dog other treats that are healthy and tasty for him
If you notice any signs of hypersensitivity or poisoning in your dog, you should see your vet immediately. We are not a substitute for a vet, but we try to be as accurate as possible. Every dog reacts differently and we recommend you get a second opinion or consult your vet if in doubt.
Stay healthy and take good care of your four-legged friend!😊
Similar to Cocoa
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