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Dogs love to eat whatever their pet parents are eating, even if it’s not good for them. And dogs also love it when pet parents drop ingredients when cooking or baking! Think of how a dog sees cacao raining down! What a great opportunity to enjoy some yummy chocolate! But what happens if a dog eats cacao?
Has your dog eaten cacao? Are you worried the cacao 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 information about cacao and whether this can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Cacao?
Cacao is a product that’s derived from cacao beans. The beans come from the seed pods of the Theobroma treat, which grows in Central and South America. The beans are harvested, cleaned, and fermented. Once this process is completed, the raw beans are sent to manufacturers, who make them into powders, bars, and nibs.
Raw or minimally processed cacao is high in antioxidants, fiber, and other valuable nutrients such as potassium, iron, and magnesium.
While humans can safely eat cacao, what about dogs? Can cacao make a dog sick?
Cacao & Dogs
Unfortunately, cacao is a form of chocolate, and it’s toxic to dogs. Cacao is one of the most toxic forms of chocolate for dogs.
The problem is that cacao and other types of chocolate contain theobromine and caffeine. Dogs are not able to metabolize these substances. These substances are highly toxic and can even cause death in some cases.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Cacao Toxicity in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten cacao:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Increased body temperature
- Muscle rigidity
- Rapid breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Seizures
- And more
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
Try to determine how much cacao your dog has eaten and about what time this happened. This information can be a great help to the vet.
Treatment of Cacao Toxicity in Dogs
Treatment involves decontaminating your dog’s system. The vet may try to induce vomiting, use activated charcoal, and other methods. After this, your fur baby may require an IV for fluids and to administer medications.
Your fur baby may need to be hospitalized, depending on the severity of his symptoms. In that case, the vet will continue to monitor your fur baby’s condition and treat other symptoms as they arise. Once your dog’s condition is stable, the vet will allow him to go home with you.
So, it’s best to keep cacao and all forms of chocolate out of your dog’s reach. You’ll both be happier for it!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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