The “Our Dogs” Breed note writer for Pugs reminds us all of the dangers of chocolate for our dogs as “human” chocolate contains the chemical, theobromide which is extremely poisonous to dogs. Pugs will eat anything and most especially whatever their humans are eating. It is very worrying when visitors come at holiday times when they may not be able to resist the temptation of the Pug pleading and will think they are being kind by sharing their chocolate bar with a dog. This is definitely not the case. It is possible that a large breed of dog may be able to eat a tiny piece of milk chocolate safely, but the same amount of dark, expensive continental chocolate which contains more theobromide can be fatal in a dog the size of a Pug. The choccy treats made especially for dogs are perfectly safe as the theobromide has been removed. The greatest danger lies in the expensive upmarket dark bars of chocolate that we treat ourselves to at Christmas time etc. Never leave them open where a dog can reach them.

Dogs are as keen chocholics as we are – once they smell chocolates they will search it out and even climb and jump to get their prize, a prize that could find them very ill within a few hours or even dead.

Theobromide passes from the stomach and into the blood stream quickly, causing rapid heart beat, and strong muscle contractions which often progress into convulsions and fits. Increased urine output causes increased drinking which leads to vomiting and a very ill dog in great pain. There is no known antidote to theobromide poisoning , the only remedy seems to be to get the drug out of the dogs stomach as soon as possible – with emergency veterinary help of course. It seems that some individual dogs are more susceptible than others.

When you come in and see the dreaded sight of the chocolate box torn up and the wrapping scattered, it is obvious who the culprit is. It is wise to ring your vet and get the dog there as soon as possible so that there may be time to wash the poison out of the stomach before it travels around the body. It is sad to say that the recovery rate from theobromide poisoning is very low. A practising vet considers that most dogs which have eaten upmarket chocolates in quantity will die in acute pain within 24 hours.