When is Chocolate Ingestion Dangerous for Dogs and Cats?

Chocolate contains many substances. Theobromine and caffeine are of health importance for dogs and cats. Theobromine, in particular, is toxic to dogs and cats, but as almost always, the amount of substance ingested is important for its potential toxicity. Cats are quite picky and usually don’t like to eat chocolate, so there is hardly any risk of poisoning for them.

Examples of theobromine content

• 1 cup of filtered coffee contains 50 to 175 milligrams of theobromine
• Cocoa powder for baking contains 14–26 mg/g powder theobromine
• Dark chocolate with 90% cocoa contains 26 mg/g chocolate theobromine
• Bittersweet chocolate contains 5–8 mg/g chocolate theobromine
• Milk chocolate contains only 1.5-2 mg/g chocolate theobromine
• White chocolate contains almost no theobromine, as the cocoa powder is removed during the production of the cocoa mass.

However, not only the theobromine content plays a role in possible poisoning, but also the ratio of theobromine to caffeine content. The highest toxicity occurs at a ratio of 5:1.

Symptoms of poisoning

The symptoms of chocolate poisoning usually appear within 2 to 12 hours after ingestion and include:

• Vomiting and Diarrhea
• Restlessness, tremors, Hyperactivity
• Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
• Muscle spasms or Convulsions
• Excessive thirst and frequent urination
• In severe cases: coma or Death

Mild symptoms (Vomiting, Diarrhea, Restlessness, increased heart rate) occur at about 20 mg theobromine per kg body weight. Severe symptoms (heart rate over 200 beats/min, Cardiac arrhythmia, muscle tremors, Convulsions) occur at about 40–50 mg/kg.

The lethal (fatal) dose is stated to be 250 – 500 mg/kg body weight, depending on the individual sensitivity of the animal.

Depending on the severity of the poisoning and the duration of treatment, long-term damage can occur, especially if treatment is delayed. However, early and aggressive therapy can prevent many complications.

Fig.: Decrease in theobromine levels with an initial value of 200 mg/kg body weight

Course (absorption, breakdown and excretion):

The absorption of theobromine from the gastrointestinal tract occurs relatively quickly within 2–4 hours and then enters the central nervous system, the cardiovascular system and the muscles via the bloodstream. Theobromine has a stimulating effect on the brain, which can lead to Restlessness, Hyperactivity and, in extreme cases, to Convulsions. In the cardiovascular system, theobromine increases the heart rate and can trigger Cardiac arrhythmia.

The breakdown (metabolism) of theobromine in the body takes place in the liver. While humans break down theobromine relatively quickly, the metabolism in dogs and cats is significantly slower. This leads to a longer retention time in the body and increases the risk of toxic effects. In the case of liver diseases, the breakdown of theobromine can also be impaired, which also leads to increased toxicity. Certain medications can also delay the breakdown of theobromine.

The excretion of theobromine mainly occurs via the kidneys. If kidney function is impaired, the excretion of theobromine can be delayed, which increases the risk of toxic accumulation.

Immediate measures for chocolate poisoning:

In the event of chocolate poisoning in dogs or cats, quick action is crucial to avoid serious health consequences.

Contact a veterinarian

If the amount of chocolate eaten suggests poisoning, the exact amount is not known, or unclear symptoms already exist, you should immediately take your animal to a veterinarian. For a telephone Contact, you will need: type of chocolate (e.g. milk chocolate, dark chocolate), estimated amount ingested, weight and condition of the animal.

Vomiting

Vomiting shortly after chocolate ingestion is useful, but do not manipulate the animal and do not pour in milk or the like. If the animal is already showing signs of poisoning (e.g. Convulsions or weakness), inducing Vomiting would be dangerous. If your animal vomits on its own, make sure that the mouth is the lowest point of the body so that the stomach contents can drain and not get into the airways.

Activated charcoal:

Activated charcoal binds toxins in the gastrointestinal tract and prevents them from being absorbed from the intestine and entering the bloodstream. Medicinal charcoal is freely available in pharmacies, so you can keep it in stock in your first aid kit. The suspended activated charcoal can be administered into the cheek pouch using a syringe. Do not bend the head back too far. This makes swallowing difficult. Under no circumstances should anything be poured into convulsing or unconscious animals.