Halloween is right around the corner and that means chocolate sitting in bowls right by the front door. This can be an open invitation to your dog to gorge on a food that is definitely NOT a treat for them. We have all read and heard that chocolate is bad for dogs, but how much and what kind? Is chocolate bad for dogs is one of the most common pet poison center calls during the holiday season. Here are some of the latest facts and figures on what kind of chocolate is bad for your dog. It is all based on the type of chocolate and body weight…read on!
A few years ago a dear friend called, very distraught, her dogs had eaten expensive, all natural chocolate and were deathly ill at the vet. This chocolate was almost pure cocao and their hearts were racing and they were sick dogs. She rushed them to the vet and they stayed for several days, but all did end well and they survived this disaster just fine, thanks to her quick actions.
Why is chocolate bad for dogs? The danger lies in the caffeine – Chocolate is made from cocoa, and cocoa beans contain caffeine and a chemical compound called theobromine. Dogs absorb, or metabolize, theobromine much slower than we do. Have you ever drank way too much coffee, or an energy drink (or two) and had your heart race? Like that but for hours. What stays in us for a few minutes and makes for a bit of a buzz can be almost 24 hours and lethal for a dog. That is why their hearts race and they can actually die of heart failure!
The good news is that it usually takes a LOT of theobromine (100-150 mg/kg) to cause a toxic reaction. Plus, there are variables to consider like each dogs’ sensitivity, their size and chocolate concentration. What may kill a Chihuahua would just make a Newfoundland sick.
Here is a quick, rough comparison:
Using a dose of 100 mg/kg as the toxic dose it comes out roughly as:
So, for example
Here is a GREAT chart on which foods have the highest concentration of chocolate and EXACTLY how much chocolate will hurt your dog. Bookmark that chart, it could really save a dog’s life!
If you suspect your dog ate chocolate or find evidence they actually did follow these steps.
There is no real cure or antidote for chocolate poisoning. Once again, CALL THE VET and ask if you should induce vomiting immediately. This can be done with syrup of ipepac or a hydrogen peroxide/water mixture. Only do this if you are comfortable doing so, under your vet’s direction.
If in doubt – Do not hesitate to GO TO THE VET! They can administer activated charcoal, which may stop or slow down absorption of the toxin. An anticonvulsant might be needed, your vet will be able to determine that. Oxygen therapy, intravenous medications, and fluids might be needed to protect the heart. YES, this is a big deal!
Once again – If you suspect your pet has ingested baking or high-end gourmet chocolate contact your Vet immediately! Tell them the exact chocolate your dog ate and they will advise as to whether a vet visit is indicated.
The answer to is chocolate bad for dogs? is a resounding YES, just know your chocolates to know what to do. If your Lab ate one Hershey’s Kiss, they will be fine. If your Chihuahua ate a bag of Hershey’s Kisses, call the vet.
And best advice of all – never, ever leave chocolate out where your dog can get to it. All the more reason to eat that chocolate now. It is for the good of your dog’s health!
Link to Chocolate Toxicity Chart again.
I have had many Frenchie Loves over the past 18 years all serious in their own way. Some of my Frenchie Loves were because I couldn’t take my eyes off of the cute flat nose that was stuck in my face every time I tried to turn around. Other Loves were because of the way the cute little puppy would waddle across the floor with the determination of a Saint Bernard and the coordination of a drunk monkey. Some of my Frenchie Loves came about as I would listen to the tenor of their snores. Each one has a pitch and a rhythm all of their own. In the dark I could identify my loves by their sounds as if they were artists playing their own music.
But my first Frenchie Love was a little guy I went to see about 18 years ago. All the way to see him I told myself “I am not buying a Frenchie today.” I have heard about people seeing a litter and buying the first dog they see. I was not going to fall like that. My love was going to be hard to get. I pulled into the yard of a breeder who had a litter of three puppies. When I stepped out of the car I saw him. He was a small, brindle pied and his ears were still leaning over. OH MY GOSH, HE LOOKS LIKE A SIX INCH TALL MILK COW. My head was saying you don’t really like him but my heart was in love. I was panic stricken. I didn’t want anyone to know I was in love…. before I even had my hands on him I knew his name was Boomer and he was mine. To seal the deal he turned his butt to me and there on his back clear as day was a heart. Forget playing hard to get, forget worrying about the price, forget that there were any other dogs in the world. I was in love.
Boomer lived almost 14 years and made me laugh every day. He was my first Frenchie Love and as they say there is nothing like your first love, especially when its a Frenchie!
It is hard not to look at the French Bulldog and not be drawn to that cute little French Bulldogs nose. Smushed in the middle of that flat face it snorts, snores and sniffs its way into the heart of even the toughest person. Yes I am a lover of the French Bulldogs Nose. Having said that you can understand how disturbing it is to me when I see these cute little Frenchies running around with their nose all dry and cracked and flaking off. This is especially disturbing when the answer is so simple. Ok, here comes my shameless sales pitch for Nose Butter from the The Blissful Dog. My French Bulldogs Nose has been using it for years and it is one of those products you just can’t live without. Kathy Dannel Vitcak is the inventor of Nose Butter and also a long time Breeder of French Bulldogs so she know French Bulldogs Noses. A couple of days putting this wonderful product on your Frenchie and you will see the difference I am taking about. No more cracks or flaking just soft as a babies butt noses…. and who can resist that
1. Always remember when showing French Bulldogs, like kids, French Bulldogs need to use the grass before they go into the ring otherwise they will humble you in front of everyone by stopping to take a dump. Usually it’s just as the judge and everyone is looking at you.
2. Always use a bait that both you and your dog like. There is nothing worse than sticking a piece of liver in your mouth and feeling sick to your stomach in the ring. At that point it really doesn’t matter how much your French Bulldog likes it if you feel like throwing up.
3. Always look around the ring for the things sticking out from the walls that you might run into as you are running around. There is nothing worse when showing your french bulldogs, then running into the fire extinguisher when you are looking at the judge instead of where you are going. (Yes I have done this and it hurts)
4. Some judges are not going to smile at you no matter how cute your dog is being or how nice you are being. It’s not personal
5. Making sure your lead is firmly attached to the dogs collar is very important in showing french bulldogs. There are no extra points for recovering your dog once he has gotten lose.
6. When showing French Bulldogs remember that some dogs will go crazy when they see bait that is left on the floor. When you throw your bait to get your dog to make that perfect stand, be sure you pick it up. The Frenchie it distracts on the next go around may be yours.
7. Although you should dress nicely in the ring, you should never look flashier than your dog. It is always best to have your judge spend their time staring at your dog not at your outfit.
8. When all is said and done showing French Bulldogs must be fun for you and your dog. If it isn’t fun what is the point anyway!
Traveling with French Bulldogs, Pugs, or any flat-faced breed has its own set up additional issues, but the tips below refer to all dogs. Enjoy!
By the way, here are some great tips from Priority One Jets.
Below are a few tips and hints I have learned in the years of traveling with dogs.
Traveling with French Bulldogs – Tips & Hints
• Make sure your dog is accustomed to traveling before your trip. Even if it is just a few car rides around the blog.
• Take plenty of water from home and the food your dog is used to eating. If it is a move, or extended trip start giving your dog bottled water in advance so they are used to it and stick to that brand of water while traveling.No upset tummies allowed on your fun trip!
• Also, ensure your dog has a clean ill of health and is up to date on any required vaccinations OR has the appropriate titers. Pop the proof of vaccinations in the glove box, just in case.
• Identification is needed, of course. Microchip in place, collar, tags, id (put cell phone number on permanent tag) and even a local number where you will be staying can be added.
• Crates should be used for traveling with your dog. I know it is tempting to have your buddy as co-pilot, but they are safer in a crate. Airbags are lethal for uncrated dogs in the front seat. Plus, the temptation to pet or play with them is too tempting for most of us. No texting, no loose dogs!
• Tip: Have two sets of keys to the car, park in shade, leave the car locked and the a/c running and dash in and out as quickly as you can. This tip is just for a “pit stop” aka bathroom break, as a/c systems can fail.
• For traveling with more than one dog, take an exercise pen. It will make things easier for you all.
• It makes a great photo, but don’t let your dog hang their head out the window. They can get all manner of junk, dust and debris in their eyes and it only takes a moment for one to hop out at a stop sign!
• While we do not recommend you tranquilize your dog, as their breathing may be impaired, especially Frenchies, but our friend, Kathy of The Blissful Dog does have an amazing all-natural relaxation and anxiety support product. Her The Blissful Dog RELAX Roll-On is perfect to help take the edge off a stressed or anxious dog’s nerves.
May traveling with French Bulldogs be a pleasant and fun together time for you and your dogs.
Welcome to Encore French Bulldogs! We got a facelift and a new look and hope you enjoy it.
