![]() Austin, those methylxanthines can cause serious health issues for your pup, which is why dogs should stay away from all caffeinated items ( including chocolate). “Coffee contains caffeine, caffeine contains substances called methylxanthines, which are found in cacao seeds, the fruit of the plant,” Dr. Since caffeine is found in more places than just coffee, it’s important that your dog stays away from all caffeine sources. “Their bodies are not used to processing such high levels of stimulants, and thus the effects can be considerable.” ![]() “Unlike people, dogs are full of energy and need no extra help with an energy boost from chemicals,” Dr. His areas of expertise include orthopedic medicine and surgery, veterinary oncology and chemotherapy, and general and advanced soft-tissue surgery.In regards to the dangers of coffee, the risk comes from the caffeine found in that morning cup. Ware is currently the Medical Director of University Animal Hospital (VCA) and is also the owner of two other hospitals, including Laveen Veterinary Center and Phoenix Veterinary Center. ![]() He received both his undergraduate degree in microbiology and his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University.ĭr. Evan Ware is a veterinary practitioner in Phoenix, Arizona. Continue to practice extreme caution giving your cat food that’s meant for humans, as certain foods could contain chocolate without you realizing it. You also should take the steps necessary to ensure your cat isn’t able to get into the chocolate again. Once you bring your cat home, you should feed her a bland diet for a few days after receiving treatment but always be sure to follow your veterinarian’s directions. Intravenous fluids also can be administered to help keep the cat hydrated, aid in more rapid metabolism and dilute out the toxic ingredients of chocolate. If your veterinarian diagnoses your cat with chocolate poisoning, she may induce vomiting in order to help prevent the dangerous ingredients in chocolate from causing further damage. These may include a urinalysis, an electrolyte panel, a chemical blood profile, and an ECG to see if your cat’s heart is showing any signs of abnormalities. Your veterinarian may conduct a complete physical exam as well as various lab tests. If you believe your cat has eaten chocolate, or you notice her exhibiting any of the symptoms listed above, then you should take her to the veterinarian immediately. Chocolate Poisoning Diagnosis and Treatment These symptoms may only be discoverable by a veterinarian. There are also some symptoms that the cat’s owner may not be able to identify, such as low blood pressure and a rapid heartbeat. ![]() Of the common types of chocolate found at home, milk chocolate has the lowest potential for toxicity whereas baker’s chocolate carries the highest risk of toxicity due to its high concentration of active ingredient caffeine and theobromine. The severity of the symptoms that a cat may experience after eating chocolate will often depend on how much chocolate was ingested, and which type of chocolate was eaten. Why Is Chocolate Bad for Cats?Ĭhocolate is made from the roasted seeds of the cacao plant, and the caffeine and theobromine that it contains is especially toxic to cats. One food that can be dangerous for a cat is chocolate. We’ve all seen our furry feline friends chewing on a leaf or two that she shouldn’t have. Of course, this doesn’t mean that your cat won’t eat something bad for her. Cats are curious pets but, unlike dogs, cats don’t tend to eat things that aren’t safe for them to eat.
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