Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Home National Sports Business Lifestyles Religion Arts & Culture Pulse Spice Editorial letters Opinion Foodie Sportscope Real Talks Weekend Report PDF's Classifieds Contact About Us Archive Weather

Letters | Opinion | Editorial | Weekend Report
Keep chocolates away from pets By Dr. Bridgette Johnson: Valentine's Day is fast approaching and it is a time when chocolate sales are at their peak. Most pet owners are aware that chocolate can be harmful — even fatal to their pets. And they may not understand why this delectable treat for us can be so detrimental to the pets' health. Dogs are more commonly affected by chocolate toxicity than other pets because of their curious nature and keen ability to gain access to food products more than other animals, however cats and other species are also susceptible to the effects of chocolate. Cocoa beans, from which chocolate is derived, contain two naturally occurring substances called theobromine (in higher concentrations) and caffeine (in lower concentrations). Dogs metabolize theobromine very slowly and it can stay in the dog's system for up to 20 hours. Theobromine has effects on the body like stimulating the central nervous system and affecting the heart and kidneys. Some of the initial effects of theobromine (within the first four to 20 hours of exposure) can include: * Restlessness/hyperactivity * Excessive thirst * Excessive urination * Vomiting * Diarrhea After an extended period of time the effects of theobromine can progress to: * Muscle tremors * Inco-ordination * Increased heart rate and blood pressure * Seizures * Coma * Death While there is no set dose of chocolate that can be deemed toxic, how your dog reacts to swallowing chocolate will be dependent on his size, general health, sensitivity to theobromine and caffeine, and the type and quantity of chocolate eaten. The general rule is that the darker the chocolate the more toxic it is to the dog. Milk Chocolate: Contains about 40 milligrams of theobromine per one ounce of chocolate. Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Contains about 150 milligrams of theobromine per one ounce of chocolate. Dark Chocolate: Contains about 400 milligrams of theobromine per one ounce of chocolate. Even though a considerable amount of chocolate needs to be consumed to produce fatal results, a small amount can still elicit some of the undesirable effects associated with exposure to theobromine. If you suspect that your pet has ingested chocolate you should contact your veterinarian as soon as you become aware of the possibility. There is no specific antidote for theobromine toxicity, therefore medical treatments are supportive, and may include all or some of the following: * IV fluids: To prevent dehydration from vomiting, diarrhea, and/or increased urination, and to "flush" the theobromine out of the system. * Emetics: Medications that induce vomiting. Used when the ingestion of chocolate is within two hours. Up to four hours post chocolate ingestion it may be effective. This is dependent as well on whether or not the pets' stomach was empty at the time of ingesting the chocolate. * Activated charcoal: For ingestion greater than four hours prior to treatment, or for patients that show continued signs of toxicity to help absorb the theobromine from the pet's system. * Anti-seizure medications: For patients having seizures and/or muscle tremors. * Cardiac medications: For patients exhibiting irregular heart rates or rhythms. Owners should also be aware that even if the pet does not ingest a lethal dose of chocolate, they will usually also ingest part or all of the packaging that contains the chocolate which can also cause gastrointestinal upset, even blockages. Pet owners who have pets with a sweet tooth should carefully secure their chocolate products well out of the way of the family pet, and never share them with their pet, to avoid a visit to the vet's office. To have your pet questions answered, send an e-mail to purrfectpets1@gmail.com or call Dr. Bridgette Johnson at 364 - 8101 Monday February 08, 2010