Christmas time - Vets warn against feeding errors in dogs
According to vets, feeding errors in dogs increase during the Advent and Christmas period. "Chocolate and raisins are the classics," said vet Melina Gantzer from Weilburg. Both have a toxic effect: the animals vomit and other possible symptoms include diarrhea, cardiovascular problems, breathing difficulties and cramps. Some cases of poisoning progress very quickly, others may only appear after a few days. In any case, the animal should be taken to a vet immediately.
The ingredient in chocolate that is toxic to dogs is called theobromine. According to the German Pet Trade and Industry Association (ZZF) in Wiesbaden, it is highest in cocoa powder and dark chocolate. Whether the sweet is really dangerous for the animal depends on both the dose and its body mass. "It makes a difference whether a Great Dane eats a bar of chocolate or a Chihuahua," explains vet Gantzer. Some animals also react particularly sensitively, while others can tolerate more.
As a guide, 100 to 200 milligrams of dark chocolate per kilogram of a dog's body weight is certainly toxic. For a dog weighing five kilograms, eating a bar of chocolate can be fatal. Raisins are also dangerous, with just three grams per kilogram of body weight being enough to cause poisoning.
"We also frequently see xylitol poisoning, birch sugar, in practice," reports the vet. "The dogs are often very unwell. They are apathetic, weak, staggering, trembling, their heart rate increases rapidly, they may have visual disturbances, some vomit and have diarrhea." Macadamia nuts should also not be given to animals, as they can cause stiff joints, fever and severe pain.
The Central Association also warns against feeding dogs bones, for example from the Christmas goose. These cooked bones splinter very easily when bitten into, so that sharp-edged pieces can injure the stomach and intestines.
ZZF
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- During the Advent and Christmas period in Hesse, Germany, vets often witness an increase in feeding errors in animals, particularly dogs.
- Apart from chocolate and raisins, other harmful substances for dogs include xylitol, found in birch sugar, and macadamia nuts.
- Dogs visiting Wiesbaden during the festive season should be mindful of the high theobromine content in cocoa powder and dark chocolate.
- While a large dog like a Great Dane may suffer serious consequences from ingesting only a small amount of chocolate, a smaller breed such as a Chihuahua might be able to tolerate more.
Source: www.stern.de
