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Cocoa powder is a common ingredient and is used for a wide variety of recipes and dishes. It has a wonderful flavor that lends a chocolate taste to whatever the powder’s used to create! But what happens if a dog eats cocoa powder? Can cocoa power make a dog sick?
Has your dog eaten cocoa powder? Are you worried the cocoa 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 cocoa powder and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Cocoa Powder?
Cocoa powder is an unsweetened chocolate powder that adds a deep chocolatey flavor to drinks and desserts. It’s even used in some main dish recipes! The powder is made by removing fat (cocoa butter) from cacao beans when processed. The leftover dried solids are ground into cocoa powder. Yum!
While cocoa powder can be safe for humans, what about dogs? Can cocoa powder make a dog sick?
Cocoa Powder & Dogs
Unfortunately, cocoa powder is toxic to dogs. This yummy ingredient is a form of chocolate containing substances that are toxic to dogs.
These substances include theobromine and caffeine. What’s more, cocoa powder contains high levels of these substances. That means that cocoa powder is one of the most toxic forms of chocolate for dogs.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten chocolate:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Increased thirst & urination
- Bloating
- Restlessness
- Hyperactivity
- Rigid muscles
- Seizures
- Abnormal heart rate
- Weakness
- Coma
If you notice these symptoms in your dog, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
Be sure to let the vet know approximately what time your dog ate the cocoa powder and how much he ate. This information can help the vet determine the best treatment for your dog.
Treatment of Cocoa Powder Ingestion in Dogs
The vet may try to induce vomiting and use activated charcoal to remove the cocoa powder from your dog’s system. Your fur baby may also require an IV for fluids and to administer medications. The vet will also treat any other symptoms that may develop.
The prognosis is best for dogs that receive prompt medical treatment. So, be sure to keep cocoa powder and all chocolate out of your dog’s reach. Prevention is always the best medicine!
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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.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
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