Onions
Raw, cooked, or dehydrated, onions can pose a serious
threat to our dogs and cats. Although some larger
sized dogs may appear to be able to tolerate onions,
there is a poorly defined toxic dose that can be fatal
to smaller animals.
Symptoms include a sudden onset of weakness, loss of
appetite, and fever. Onion toxicity results in
a specific type of anemia (loss of red blood cells),
which when severe can result in a reddish-brown urine.
In some cases, the oxygen carrying molecule on the red
blood cells can become altered, resulting in a decreased
ability to carry oxygen to the tissues. Thus a
bluish coloring to the mucous membranes of the gums
and inside of lips may occur.
Treatment is strictly supportive for the anemia.
Blood transfusions may be necessary along with oxygen
therapy and quiet. Prognosis for recovery depends
upon amount of onion eaten, and severity of symptoms.
Chocolate
Dogs are mainly affected by this form of toxicity,
due to their inquisitive nature, and sometimes to owners
who may not be aware of the dangers of chocolate.
The two main culprits which cause concern in chocolate
are theobromine and caffeine known as methylxanthines.
Thus any product containing enough caffeine can lead
to a toxicosis in the dog.
The minimum lethal dose of theobromine and caffeine
(methylxanthines) in the dog range from 200-400 mg
(milligrams)/ounce.
| Product |
Methylxantines mg per ounce |
| Cocoa Bean |
400-1500 |
| Baking Chocolate |
450 |
| Semi-Sweet Chocolate |
260 |
| Milk Chocolate |
60 |
| Hot Chocolate |
12 |
| White Chocolate |
1 |
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One half ounce of baking chocolate, or 4 ounces of
milk chocolate per pound of body weight is a potential
lethal dose in dogs. Thus, 1 pound of milk chocolate
or four ounces of baking chocolate could be lethal to
a 16 pound dog.
Chocolate poisoning is among the 20 most common poisonings
reported today. Caffeine containing stimulant
tablets are another source of toxicity from methylxanthines.
Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea within 2-4 hours
of eating chocolate. Restlessness and anxiety
shortly follow. Dogs may become hyperactive, shake,
and seizure. Heart arrhythmias may occur as well.
Death can occur 12-36 hours after ingestion.
Treatment by inducing vomiting is recommended unless
the dog is seizuring. Hydrogen peroxide given
at 2-10 ml/pound orally can be used at home. (5mls =
1 tsp). Seizure activity and hyperactivity can
be controlled with valium by your veterinarian.
Heart arrhythmias need to be controlled as well.
Prognosis is good if treatment is begun within 2-4
hours of ingestion. In cases of advanced symptoms
of seizures and heart arrhythmias, the prognosis is
guarded.
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