Hey Petentials pets!
I want you all to enjoy a fun and SAFE Halloween, so here's my warning for the holiday.
"They" always said NEVER eat the chocolate, right?
Well, one time I wanted to know the REAL TRUTH (I thought it was a conspiracy to keep it all for themselves!) The good news is that it takes, on average, a fairly large amount of theobromine (the bad stuff)100-150 mg/kg to cause a toxic reaction. Although there are variables to consider like the individual sensitivity, animal size and chocolate concentration.

On average,
Milk chocolate contains 44 mg of theobromine per oz.
Semisweet chocolate contains 150mg/oz.
Baker's chocolate 390mg/oz.

Using a dose of 100 mg/kg as the toxic dose it comes out roughly as:
1 ounce per 1 pound of body weight for Milk chocolate
1 ounce per 3 pounds of body weight for Semisweet chocolate
1 ounce per 9 pounds of body weight for Baker's chocolate.

So, for example, 2 oz. of Baker's chocolate can cause great risk to an 15 lb. dog. Yet, 2 oz. of Milk chocolate usually will only cause digestive problems.

Xanthines, (the other bad stuff) affect the nervous system, cardiovascular system and peripheral nerves. It has a diuretic effect as well. Clinical signs:

Hyper excitability
Hyper irritability
Increased heart rate
Restlessness
Increased urination
Muscle tremors
Vomiting
Diarrhea

Treatment

There is no specific antidote for this poisoning. And the half life of the toxin is 17.5 hours in dogs. Induce vomiting in the first 1-2 hours if the quantity is unknown. Administering activated charcoal may inhibit absorption of the toxin. An anticonvulsant might be indicated if neurological signs are present and needs to be controlled. Oxygen therapy, intravenous medications, and fluids might be needed to protect the heart.

Milk chocolate will often cause diarrhea, woof! 12-24 hours after ingestion. This should be treated symptomatically (fluids, etc..) to prevent dehydration.

If any of you guys or gals has ingested chocolate contact your Vet immediately! They can help you determine the the proper treatment for you.

SO, the bad news is like" they " say, don't eat the chocolate...it is not worth going thru ANY of that treatment. STAY AWAY FROM THE CANDY CORN TOO!!!!get your Mommie to give you special treats made just for you.

Enjoy Halloween everybody...be safe and don't eat any candy.

BB the Bulldog