Chocolate Toxicity: Hey! Where Did That Chocolate Cake Go?

Did you know that chocolate, especially dark chocolate and baker's chocolate, is extremely poisonous to dogs and can be fatal?  Any amount of chocolate can result in hyperactivity, tremors, high blood pressure, a rapid heart rate, seizures, respiratory failure, and cardiac arrest.  See Pet’s Web MD for the full article here! 

Chocolate toxicity is a very serious matter.  With Valentine's Day coming up, please make sure you take precautions in keeping your chocolates and sweets out of your pet's reach.

I learned how common chocolate toxicity is, especially during the holiday season.  My terrifying experience happened on Christmas Eve, 2013.

I had baked a three layer German Chocolate Cake for Christmas Eve at my parents’ house and was so proud of my cake!  It was homemade and the presentation was spot on.  I brought the cake over to my parents’ house but it turned out that everyone brought dessert so only a quarter of the cake was eaten.  I decided to take it home and would bring it in to work for the following days.

I anxiously walked into the house, excited to see my dogs, and set the chocolate cake down on the counter top.  The regular routine for when I come home is lots of hugs and play time with the dogs so we went on with our normal routine – not even thinking about the devilish chocolate cake.  

Image courtesy http://www.gooddogspot.net/

It wasn't until I ran to the bathroom - I was gone for a minute at most - and came back out into the kitchen when I saw it.  The entire serving plate was on the ground; the plastic wrap was neatly pulled back, and the entire chocolate cake was GONE.

My first reaction was instant panic!  My two little pups, who were maybe only seven months old at the time, had devoured the entirety of the cake while the older dog sat back and watched.  I could imagine him thinking, “I’m not getting in trouble for this!”

I immediately grabbed my laptop and looked up some quick information on dogs eating chocolate and become even more frantic.  Chocolate is poisonous for dogs and I knew that I had to get them to the emergency vet immediately or the results could be fatal.  I immediately crated my older pup, leashed the two little ones, and we drove off to the emergency vet. 

Arriving at the emergency vet was a huge relief.  They were extremely fast and kept me updated on the entire process.  They immediately induced vomiting on the two young pups.  After the long, excruciating process, they gave the pups charcoal to help prevent the absorption of any remaining toxins and lots of fluids to keep them hydrated.

It was very frightening to hear that my little pups could have died from one stupid mistake.  Needless to say, I won’t be leaving anything on the counter top ever again. 

Six Comfort and Safety Tips for Dogs During Winter

(From left to right: Tifa, Lulu, Zero)

There is no denying that winter is here!  As a proud pup owner, I never truly thought of how difficult the winter season could be when you have three, high-energy dogs who love to play and run.  If you’re like me and live in an area where the snow seems endless there are many things you should know!

Here are my six simple tips to help you keep your pups comfortable, active, and safe during the winter season.  My tips were inspired by an article found on PetMD.  For the full article and descriptions on pet safety tips check out the article here! 

1.  Snow Pups

Does your pet enjoy being outside during the winter seasons?  I know my dogs do!  I always make sure to monitor my dogs when they are outside on cold days.  If your dog is smaller make sure you keep a keen eye on them.  Also, wipe off any snow they may have on them when they come inside!

2.  Stay Bundled Up

If your pets enjoy being outside as much as my pups do, I highly recommend getting them a coat, sweater, or extra layer to keep them warm.  Would you be comfortable going outside without a coat?  No way!

3.  Burnin’ Off Some Steam

I noticed an extreme change in my dogs’ activity level during the winter season.  I try to encourage them to exercise and stay active by offering new toys, playing with the laser pointer (which they love), going on short walks, and even letting them chase me around the basement.  Don’t let your dog get the winter blues – be creative and keep them entertained!

4.  Chow Time

Just like other mammals, dogs also tend to “hibernate” and conserve energy during winter.  I had to adjust the food amount for my dogs because they were not eating a normal serving amount.  Pay close attention to your pets and make sure you adjust food servings accordingly to avoid having a real “husky” pup!

5.  Salty Paws

Salt can cause a lot of trauma to a pets paws.  I personally do not put any salt in my backyard and I make sure to take off my shoes when entering my house so that I do not bring any salt into my home.  Try putting boots on your dog to avoid sore paws or use a pet-friendly alternative to salt.  Check out more tips here!

6.  Neighborhood Watch

I can’t stress the importance of watching the neighborhood for pets left outside during the coldest of days.  If you see an animal outside for too long please do something!  If you have outdoor cats or strays around you try to offer a den so they have some type of refuge to stay warm in.  You may be their only hope in getting into a warm and cozy home!