Search
GotoAID does not provide any medical advice or treatment, it is solely for informational purposes only
iPhone App
Poison - Chocolate
Bookmark and Share

Chocolate can be very poisonous to your cat. There is a chemical in chocolate called Theobromine. Theobromine is a diuretic as well as a cardiac stimulant. This can cause the pet's heart rate to increase or it may cause the heart to beat irregularly, both of which can be dangerous to the animal. The level of Theobromine present in chocolate varies depending on the type of chocolate. For example, dark chocolate contains higher levels than milk chocolate and so could pose a greater risk to your pet. In order of toxicity: Dark Chocolate (Most Toxic)>Baking Chocolate>Semisweet Chocolate>Milk Chocolate>Hot Chocolate>White Chocolate (Least Toxic). The ASPCA animal poison control will give you more specific information than your local poison control as they specialize with animal poisoning, however they do have a minimal charge.

Symptoms

Steps
1   Try to identify the toxic substance collect any empty bottles or containers, and check for distinctive odors
2   Look for traces in or around the mouth to identify the substance
3   If your cat vomits, note carefully the appearance of the vomit and collect them in a plastic baggy for identification
4   Try to estimate the amount that the pet has eaten. Some things are only toxic in large doses
5   If you know that your cat ingested poison within the last 1 hour induce vomiting with 3% Hydrogen Peroxide, 0.5ml per 1lb your cat weighs by mouth
6   You will notice a foaming action and the taste should prompt vomiting within 5 min, if needed repeat 2-3 times allowing 5 min between doses
7   Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at (888) 426-4435 there is a $60 consultation fee, payable by credit card, for this service and this includes ALL follow-up consultations should you or your vet need further assistance with your pet’s case
Warnings
Induce vomiting with 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
Wear gloves while helping your cat to avoid contact with the acid
A dose of less than 1 oz of milk chocolate per pound of body weight could potentially cause death
If your animal is having seizures, losing consciousness, is unconscious or is having difficulty breathing, telephone ahead and bring your pet immediately to your local veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic
Tips
Note any symptoms that your pet may be having
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at (888) 426-4435
You can give activated charcoal by mouth to help absorb antifreeze that was recently ingested but call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline first

READ THIS
Suggestions
Poison - Acids (Bleach, Drain Cleaner)
Poison - Alkalis (Ammonia,Detergents)
Poison - Antifreeze
Poison - Chocolate
Poison - Heavy Metals (Lead, Ceramics)
Poison - Pain Medicine (Aspirin, Acetaminophen)
Poison - Pest Bait (Rat Bait, Arsenic)
Poison - Petroleum Products (Kerosene, Gasoline)
Poison - Plants