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Chocolate powder is a popular ingredient that’s used in many recipes. And chocolate is a favorite of humans, including pet parents! So, if your dog sees you eating some chocolate powder or something made with this ingredient, he’s going to expect his fair share! But is chocolate powder safe for dogs?
Has your dog eaten some chocolate powder? Are you worried the chocolate powder 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 put together information about chocolate powder and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Chocolate Powder?
Chocolate powder is an unsweetened product made from chocolate. It’s a common ingredient in a wide range of recipes because it adds a deep, rich flavor to baked goods, foods, and drinks. Cocoa powder is made from the cocoa butter that’s removed from cacao beans when they’re processed. The leftover fat is dried and then ground into a powder.
While chocolate powder is safe for humans (in moderation), what about dogs? Can chocolate powder make a dog sick?
Chocolate Powder & Dogs
Unfortunately, chocolate powder is highly toxic to dogs. Of all the forms of chocolate, the powder form contains high amounts of substances that can be deadly to dogs. These substances are caffeine and theobromine, which act as diuretics, heart stimulants, blood vessel dilators, and smooth muscle relaxants.
Dogs are not able to quickly metabolize these substances. So, they stay in the dog’s system longer than in a human’s, causing organ damage and other issues.
It’s possible for dogs to gain access to chocolate powder that’s stored where they can reach it. Or if you accidentally spill some powder, your fur baby could snarf it up quickly. However, dogs could also eat items made with this ingredient. Our canine companions seem to love chocolate as much as we do.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Chocolate Powder Toxicity in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten chocolate powder:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Increased thirst & urination
- Panting
- Racing heart rate
- Muscle tremors
- Seizures
- Heart failure
If you notice these symptoms in your dog, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
Treatment of Chocolate Powder Toxicity in Dogs
The vet will work to decontaminate your dog’s system to remove the toxins. They will then treat other symptoms as they arise. There’s a good chance your canine companion will need to be hospitalized for a time until he’s in stable condition.
The prognosis is best for dogs that receive prompt medical treatment. And if your dog really loves chocolate, be sure to keep it out of his reach. You may want to consider a safe alternative called carob for dogs. Carob tastes similar to chocolate, and most dogs love it!
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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