Hide That Halloween Chocolate!

When hiding your Halloween chocolate so your kid brother or sister can’t steal it, make sure it is also well out of reach from your dog. And ‘out of reach’ does not just mean hidden, as dogs are amazing at sniffing out treats. Be sure all chocolate and other candy is safely stored in containers with tight fitting lids, or behind doors that a dog cannot open. This may all sound a little extreme, but the fact is, chocolate is extremely harmful to dogs.

Chocolate contains theobromine, a stimulant related to caffeine. While harmless to humans, it is toxic to dogs. Even with a small amount of chocolate, theobromine will cause vomiting and diarrhea in a dog, along with hyperactivity, excessive thirst and increased urination, a rapid heart rate and excessive panting. These symptoms usually develop in six to eight hours. Kidney damage, seizures, heart rhythm irregularities and even death, in severe cases, may be the result of too much chocolate intake. There is no real antidote for a theobromine overdose. Support and care can be given, and vomiting can be induced if the poisoning is recognized early enough. Obviously, the best course of action is not to let your dog get at any chocolate to begin with, so be sure to hide your chocolate stash so your dog can't help himself.

So what about the chocolate nibbles made especially for dogs? Manufacturers have formulated them to contain extra vitamins and minerals and to have various added qualities, but no theobromine. They are made especially for dogs, and although they are called choc drops, the name is not accurate; they are made of carob, and are therefore quite safe. However, while not harmful, these ‘chocolate’ dog treats are not really healthy, and you would be better off giving your pet a dog bone or dog biscuits while you indulge in some chocolate yourself!