Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and Shih Tzus are especially susceptible to its effects. Theobromine, a stimulant found in chocolate, can cause a variety of health problems in dogs, including vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death.
If you think your Shih Tzu has eaten chocolate, it is important to act quickly. The first thing you should do is call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline (1-855-764-7661). They will be able to assess the severity of the situation and give you specific instructions on what to do.
In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend that you induce vomiting. This can be done by giving your dog a small amount of hydrogen peroxide (3% solution). Be sure to follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully.
If your dog has already vomited, you may want to give them activated charcoal. Activated charcoal is a substance that can help to bind to toxins in the stomach and intestines, preventing them from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
In all cases, it is important to monitor your dog closely for signs of poisoning. These signs can include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Restlessness
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Seizures
- Difficulty breathing
If you notice any of these signs, you should take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.
Preventing Chocolate Poisoning
The best way to prevent chocolate poisoning in your Shih Tzu is to keep chocolate out of their reach. This means storing chocolate in a closed container in a high place where your dog cannot reach it.
You should also be careful about giving your dog any human foods that contain chocolate, even if they are small amounts. Even a small amount of chocolate can be toxic to a dog.
If you are hosting a party or event where there will be chocolate, be sure to keep your Shih Tzu away from the food. You may also want to consider putting a baby gate up to prevent your dog from accessing the area where the food is being served.
Conclusion
Chocolate poisoning is a serious issue that can be fatal to dogs. If you think your Shih Tzu has eaten chocolate, it is important to act quickly. Call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline for advice. And always remember to keep chocolate out of your dog’s reach.
Additional Information
- The amount of chocolate that is toxic to a dog depends on the type of chocolate, the amount of chocolate eaten, and the size of the dog.
- Dark chocolate is more toxic than milk chocolate, and baking chocolate is the most toxic type of chocolate.
- A small amount of chocolate may not be enough to cause poisoning in a large dog, but even a small amount of chocolate can be fatal to a small dog.
- Symptoms of chocolate poisoning usually appear within 6-12 hours of eating chocolate.
- If your dog shows any signs of chocolate poisoning, it is important to take them to the veterinarian immediately.
- There is no specific treatment for chocolate poisoning, but your veterinarian may induce vomiting, give your dog activated charcoal, or provide supportive care.
- With prompt treatment, most dogs that have eaten chocolate will make a full recovery.
