Normal doggie breath has its own particular odor. While it may not smell good to your nose, it does indicate that your dog is normal and healthy! However, there are times when a dog’s breath can smell differently.
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Has your dog’s breath started smelling like chocolate? Are you worried this could be an indication that your dog is sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog develops this type of symptom.
In this article, we’ll take a look at what can cause a dog’s breath to smell like chocolate and how you can help your dog. Let’s get started!
First Check This!
The most common cause of a dog’s breath smelling like chocolate is because the dog has found and eaten chocolate. So, first, check to see if your fur baby could have found a chocolate stash and helped himself!
If he has, then you’ll want to call the vet right away. This is because chocolate is extremely toxic to dogs.
Chocolate & Dogs
Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, which is very toxic to dogs. The chemical acts as a diuretic, heart stimulant, blood vessel dilator, and smooth muscle relaxant.
The level of toxicity is determined by the color of the chocolate, the amount that’s eaten, and the dog’s weight/size. Dark chocolate contains higher amounts of theobromine; next is baking chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest amount of theobromine.
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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
- Excessive drooling
- Diarrhea
- Extreme thirst
- Increased urination
- Hyperactivity
- Pacing
- Panting
- Muscle tremors
- Seizures
Keep in mind that it can take up to 6-12 hours before symptoms begin to show. If your dog has eaten chocolate, call the vet immediately. This is a medical emergency.
Treatment of Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs
At the vet’s, they will perform a physical exam of your dog. The vet will also order lab work and possibly do a urinalysis, along with other tests.
If your dog has recently eaten chocolate, the vet may try to induce vomiting and/or use activated charcoal. Chances are your fur baby will also require an IV for fluids and to administer other medications as needed.
Dogs that receive prompt medical treatment have the best chance of making a full recovery. And if your dog has a penchant for chocolate, be sure to keep it out of his reach. You can also see if your fur baby likes carob! This is safe for dogs and very similar to chocolate for those dogs who hanker after chocolate!
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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