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Many of us enjoy a mug of amazing hot chocolate in the cooler months of the year! Some pet parents make theirs with hot chocolate packets. No matter how you make it, hot chocolate is a treat that’s sure to taste amazing and warm you up! But what happens if a dog eats a hot chocolate packet?
Has your dog eaten a hot chocolate packet? Are you worried the hot chocolate packet will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something like this.
We’ve gathered some information about hot chocolate packets and whether they can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What are Hot Chocolate Packets?
Hot chocolate packets are packets that contain a mix of ingredients to make instant hot chocolate. Several brands make hot chocolate packets, and you can easily find them at the grocery store and online.
While the ingredients can vary between brands, the general ingredients found in hot chocolate packets may include:
- Sugar
- Corn syrup
- Modified whey
- Cocoa
- Hydrogenated coconut oil
- Nonfat milk
- Calcium carbonate
- Salt
- Dipotassium phosphate
- Mono- & diglycerides
- Carrageenan
- Acesulfame potassium
- Sucralose
- Artificial flavors
The type and amount of chocolate or cocoa also vary by product.
So, can a hot chocolate packet make a dog sick?
Hot Chocolate Packets & Dogs
Unfortunately, it is possible that a hot chocolate packet can make a dog sick. The first concern is that these packets do contain cocoa. Cocoa (chocolate) is highly toxic to dogs. However, the level of toxicity can vary depending on the type of chocolate and how much of the chocolate a dog has eaten.
The problem is that chocolate contains two substances that are toxic to dogs: theobromine and caffeine. Dogs are not able to metabolize these substances.
In addition, some hot chocolate packets may also contain high amounts of fat, which can cause pancreatitis and other health problems in dogs.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Hot Chocolate Packet Ingestion in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten a hot chocolate packet:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Restlessness
- Increased urination
- Drooling (excessive)
- Hyperactivity
- Elevated heart rate
- Muscle tremors
- Seizures
It can take up to 6 to 12 hours for a dog to develop symptoms after eating a hot chocolate packet.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency. Try to figure out how many packets your dog has eaten and the brand name of the product. This information can be extremely helpful to the vet.
Treatment of Hot Chocolate Packet Ingestion in Dogs
The vet will work to decontaminate your dog’s system by inducing vomiting or using activated charcoal. Next, the vet will treat your fur baby’s other symptoms as they arise. Your canine companion may also need an IV for fluids and to administer medications.
The prognosis is best for dogs that receive prompt medical treatment after eating a hot chocolate packet. In the future, it’s best to keep this and all chocolate products out of your dog’s reach. Prevention is always the best medicine.
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Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
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