Dog Food - From Hardwarezone

Was randomly surfing when I came upon this post from hardwarezone forums. Though its a little old but the information is rather useful. Here it is!

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Hi everyone.

I believe most of you are feeding your beloved pet dog with commercial dog food and i know there are some doting owners out there feeding their darling home cooked food specially made for their furry friends.

By all means feed your dog with your home cooked food specially made for your pet dog, but please give them a balance diet. And i would suggest that you just feed them normal kibbles dog food as they are specially formulated for your dog.

And for those owners who are feeding their pet dog dry food currently, I'd advise you to get one that's well balance and of the popular brand. DO NOT try to save on your dog's expenses and it's no good for it's health.

I'd recommend you getting your pet food supplies from reputable pet shops and not commercial supermarkets.

I would mention brand name here, but there's this famous brand available in almost all supermarkets, and i believe most of you will know what brand i'm referring to now. This particular brand's salt contain is too high that all my friend who fed their dogs on it, had fur dropping problems.
After they changed to more famous and more expensive brands like Eukanuba(my recommendation) and Science Diet, the fur problem just vanish.

If you have the time, compare the nutritional contain of all the possible brand you are considering to buy.

Also, i'm against the idea of feeding our beloved furry folks canned food.
In my opinion and experience, canned food will stink your pet's breath and not only that, you will have trouble feeding your pet pure kibbles meal in future as the canned food are definitely more delicious.


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You Never Have to Have Any Dog Health Problems

While any dog owner recognizes that there are certain chores that he must leave strictly to the veterinarian, he wants, at the same time, to be given at least some idea of the role he can play in preventing dog health problems. Below are a few tips owners can use to avoid problems common problems.

Feeding Your Dog To Keep Optimum Health

The basic principle to be understood in the feeding of dogs is that, with only minor variations, they have the same nutritive requirements as man. A dog apparently has less need for starches and its digestive juices do not handle fatty foods well. Thus, the dog`s meat should always be quite lean, otherwise it will commonly cause a stomach upset with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea

Most animals will get along perfectly well on dry or canned commercial dog foods. Great strides have been made in the improvement of commercial dog foods in recent years. Their formulae are specially prepared by trained scientists to meet all of the dog`s needs and the federal government, on the basis of careful experiment to furnish normal maintenance diets, guarantees all nationally known brands. This means that the dog can live its entire life without eating anything but dog food.

While some companies will claim that their biscuits are a complete food and are often justified in their claim, most experts agree that the large majority of the biscuits that are manufactured serve best only as a supplementary food

Caring For Your Pets Eyes To Prevent Illness

In the general care of the eyes, the average dog owner can be advised to keep them clean. This can be done by washing them once a day with a lukewarm solution of boric acid (made by dissolving one teaspoonful of boric acid powder in a glass of hot water) or by the application of boric acid eye ointment direct to the eyeball.

The care of any significant eye diseases is strictly a job for the veterinarian. For safety`s sake, any injury to the eye should be considered an emergency and the veterinarian should be contacted immediately. Professional attention should be given even to very mild eye irritations that do not readily respond to simple treatment with washings of boric acid solution or applications of boric acid eye ointment.

How To Prevent Ear Ailments

Proper ear hygiene consists in keeping the hair of the ear clean and thoroughly combed out, free from parasites at all times and in maintaining the cleanliness of the inside of the ear. To clean the inside of the ear, dampen a piece of absorbent cotton with alcohol, squeeze out the excess moisture and clean out all the accumulated scurf as far down into the ear as the finger can conveniently reach.

Have no fear of doing damage to the inner ear, for the finger simply cannot penetrate that far. The cleaned surface should be dried with a piece of cotton. The next step is to put some boric acid powder on the back of a spoon handle or other convenient object and dump the powder into the ear. Then manipulate the ear so that the powder will penetrate as far into the ear canal as possible. After this is done to both ears, allow the animal to shake out the excess powder.

If this procedure is followed about two or three times a week, it is very unlikely that the dog ever will be affected by the common ear ailments.

Prevention Is The Best Cure

By taking steps to avoid dog health problems, you are less likely to have to suffer the consequences of an ill pet. If you are concerned about your pet or notice any strange symptoms, you should consult your veterinarian immediately. Regular check ups will also help detect potential illness or health problems early. Check ups should be given about every 6 months.

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The Healthy Dog Coat

What you feed your dog directly influences the dog’s coat. Dry, complete foods have many advantages:

• They are easily stored

• They are quick and simple to feed

• They are clean

• They provide a nutritionally complete diet

• All the hard work of providing a nutritionally complete diet is done for you

Among the several types of dry food on the market today, a dry food with excess protein has been known to make some dogs aggressive or hyperactive. Take the advice of your breeder and vet if you have concerns.

If your dog has worms, the coat will suffer. It is very important to keep your dog wormed according to your vet’s recommendations.

A fit and healthy dog will be recognized by the gleam of his coat. Exercise, walking, free-running and visits to new areas stimulate good health. Each breed of dog varies in their exercise requirement. Regular exercise is essential for keeping a dog in good health and a good coat. Check your dog’s feet regularly. In cold weather, check the pads for packed snow, ice or other debris which can cause problems.

The type of bedding and housing your dog has will have a bearing on the dog’s coat. A dog constantly lying on concrete will wear the hair off. A dog lying in the grass all the time may get bitten by insects and develop skin irritations. Scratching at the bites can destroy a beautiful coat in a short period of time.

Bedding should be washed regularly with Clorox bleach and a good laundry detergent. Floors should be kept clean. Strong disinfectant can be dangerous if it comes in contact with the coat or the dog licks the disinfectant off the coat.

A regular grooming routine can help you detect problems like runny eyes, bad breath, skin disorders and allergies. Early treatment of these problems is essential. If you see one flea, there probably are many more. Please use a good flea and tick preventative especially if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors. It may be necessary to apply flea and tick prevention year round according to the climate in which you live.

In conclusion the healthiest dog coats are a result of a high quality nutritionally complete diet and regular grooming routines. Genetics can lay the groundwork for a good coat, but diet, exercise and grooming will maintain and/or improve the dog’s coat.

Author: Connie Limon. I raise Shih Tzu puppies from top champion bloodlines. Purchase unique dog clothes and topknot dog bows at: http://www.littleguysdogclothesshop.com

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Dog Arthritis & Joint Health

Just like people, many dogs suffer from arthritis, specifically osteoarthritis. Unbelievably, up to thirty percent of family pets have arthritis. They experience pain, swelling and stiffness the same as humans do. Some people refer to it as degenerative joint disease and it has the ability to change your dog, from very playful and energetic, to pain ridden and listless. Arthritis is the breakdown of protective cartilage, which covers and protects the bone joints. By nature, many dogs are extremely active and because of this, subject their joints to trauma. Unlike humans, when a dog injures itself, pet arthritic conditions often develop within weeks. Older dogs are more prone to arthritis as their cartilage deteriorates, especially in the larger breeds. There is more stress put on the joints from their weight and this worsens over time. Some of the types of arthritis in dogs are osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, knee dysplasia, and Osteochondritis, hypertrophy and shoulder degeneration.

Because our pets cannot tell us they are in pain, here are some of the signs that may indicate that your dog is suffering from arthritis:

Limping – Your dog limps or favors a leg, but has no injury to its paws

Slow moving – Your usually active pet moves at a much slower pace, has trouble running and jumping, has difficulty climbing stairs or shies away from playing

Walking – They lag behind you when taking them for a walk or are very listless and hesitant to go walking at all.

Crying or yelping – If you touch then in a certain area, they yelp or do not want you touching them.

Difficulty rising - When the dog goes to get up from sleeping or laying down, they have great difficulty or yelp, making it obvious that they are having problems, are all signs of arthritis.

As upsetting as it is, do not panic if the vet diagnosis your dog with arthritis. Unlike years ago, there are many very good remedies to help alleviate and control your dog’s pain. If your dog is overweight, the first thing your vet will recommend is a weight loss program. Just like humans, the more weight you carry, the harder it is on your joints and this is no different for dogs. Have your vet recommend a healthy diet for your special companion that gradually helps them lose weight without being hungry all the time. As much as you hate having to cut down on their dog treats, this is for the health of your animal. There are several medications available to help control or end the pain. Always follow the vets instructions on the amount and frequency of the medication prescribed for your dog. They know exactly how much to give your dog and if you decide to up the dose or cut down on it, you could do more harm than good. Once you remove the pain, and your dog moves about easily, you can resume taking them for walks and getting exercise. You may want to discuss arthritis supplements for your dog, with your vet.

Find hundreds more articles like this at http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com, where you can also find unique dog beds, dog supplies, and pet furniture that you'll never find at your local pet store. In fact, if you later find your order being sold at your local Petco, we'll refund your purchase plus an extra $20!

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Older Dog Health Problems - Common Health Problems Facing Senior Dogs

Like all animals, as dogs age they tend to develop health problems unique to older dogs. Many dog owners have a difficult time accepting this fact and think that their lively pooch is not an older dog and will not have health problems. Dogs can, however, show signs of aging as early as seven years old. Older dog health problems generally affect larger breeds earlier than small breeds that tend to show signs of aging around 10 to 12 years of age. The fact is that senior dog health problems will eventually be a concern for every dog owner.

Common Health Problems Facing Older Dogs

All dogs are different and, depending on their size, breed and activity level, will exhibit health problems differently. However, there are common health issues that may manifest in all senior dogs including the following:

Joint and bone problems

An overall reduction in their metabolism

Difficulty with their eyes and ears

Liver and kidney dysfunctions

Skin becomes thin and less pliable while the coat becomes mottled and patchy

Problems with teeth and gums

Unlike a little puppy who has an endless supply of energy, an older dog will tend to slow down and take longer to lay down or stand up. Instead of bounding up the stairs your senior dog might take each stair one at a time. Your dog may develop arthritis, an inflammation of the joints causing pain and discomfort, which is generally the cause of this slowing down. There are a host of anti-inflammatory drugs that your veterinarian can suggest to reduce the discomfort caused by arthritis.

In many cases, an older dog will have problems with their eyes as they develop cataracts or even glaucoma. A cataract will become obvious to the owner as the eyes have a cloudy appearance and tend to reflect light. Senior dogs may also develop glaucoma, an increased amount of pressure on the eyes, and can cause more serious problems if left untreated.

The entire circulation system and many of the major organs are taxed in older dogs. The heart, lungs, liver and kidneys all become less efficient and the immune systems can become weak and vulnerable to viruses and bacteria. Serious health problems may develop in your senior dog as some of the symptoms develop gradually. It is your responsibility to maintain your older dog's health and remain informed of the possible senior dog health problems that commonly arise.

Helping Your Older Dog Overcome Health Problems

As an aging dog inevitably develops health problems, you can help alleviate many of the symptoms and keep your pet comfortable. The most basic thing you can do is simply pay more attention to your senior dog making sure you're aware of the changes taking place. Brush your dog's coat daily and ask your vet if there are special shampoos to help with her skin and coat. Spend time rubbing your hands on his coat feeling for bumps or lesions. Be patient when your dog needs a little extra time walking up the stairs or jumping up into the car. Make sure you make regular visits to your vet and stay current on vaccinations. Brush your senior dog's teeth regularly and have them professionally cleaned occasionally. Provide regular exercise while also making adjustments needed for your dog as she ages.

As your older dog slows down, you might have to adjust her diet to help compensate for the reduction of energy for both her weight as well as her coat and her circulation system. Not only must the overall calorie intake be reduced, but you can also feed your senior dog specially formulated foods made to fit their particular needs. Try to purchase the most expensive, best quality food you can afford and avoid greasy table scraps.

It's an inevitable fact that dogs age, but you can make a difference in helping your older dog overcome health problems. Keep in mind that in the last eighty years or so the average lifespan of dogs has increased from 7 years to 12. Expanding your knowledge and paying attention to your dogs health will help ensure your dog lives a long and comfortable life.

Your Large Dog Breed Information Gateway - For more tips and detailed for your older dogs health related problems and dog health care or dog nutritional program, visit us at our large dog breed specific website. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Hinkley

TOXIN ALERT: GRAPES AND RAISINS

The following article is taken from a post in Chazhound Dog Forum. Click here to view the original post.

It has been a common practice to use grapes and raisins in various capacities with our pets—veterinarians have often suggested a grape or two as a low calorie snack for our weight conscious patients, and trainers have recommended using raisins as training treats for such events as obedience and agility. If a question had arisen just a few short years ago regarding potential grape or raisin toxicity, even the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) would have discounted any concern.

As a senior veterinary student at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in the spring of 2001, I avidly read all veterinary journals delivered to my doorstep. A May 15, 2001 letter to the editor in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) caught my eye. Written by Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, DVM, PhD, et al. from the ASPCA’s APCC, it summarized a review of cases from their database. They noted 10 dogs with evidence of ingestion of large amounts of grapes or raisins and a correlation with acute renal failure (ARF). I recall being surprised at the information but resolved to not recommend grapes or raisins to my clients as treats for their pets.

Unfortunately in April, 2004, that mentally filed snippet of knowledge became essential information. Scotchie, a 5-year-old, 56 pound, male castrated Labrador mix had indulged in some mischievous activity while his owners were at work. Sometime between 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM, Scotch removed a cardboard canister of raisins (15 ounce container) and ingested the remaining contents (approximately 8 ounces). When his owner, Michelle, returned from work that evening, she cleaned up the pieces of the container but didn’t give the contents a second thought. Most pet owners wouldn’t. After all, as humans, we consume raisins with no ill effects, so why should pets be any different? Scotch began vomiting and having diarrhea about 1 AM with some body tremors. Still thinking the signs were due to dietary indiscretion and not wanting to wake anyone at that time of night, his owner kept him comfortable until she called our service at 7 AM. Our receptionist, Lois, had fortunately also seen something about raisin toxicity at some point and advised Michelle to bring Scotchie in at 8 AM. She then called me.

“Acute renal failure,” I thought. I commended Lois for her quick and accurate thinking and said we would run a general health profile, electrolytes and CBC on presentation. I also called our local specialty/emergency referral center and talked to one of the ER doctors, a former classmate, who was on duty. He had also heard about ARF and raisins but knew no more than I. He recommended contacting poison control. Our owner called the North Shore Animal Protection League Poison Hotline and received a case number and treatment recommendations for Scotch—IV fluids at 1 ½ times maintenance and follow-up renal values for 48-72 hours. On presentation, Scotch was bright and alert, weight was 58#, temperature 99.9 degrees F, panting, HR 130. Blood profile abnormalities indicated ALT 126 u/L (10-100), BUN 32.8 mg/dl (7.0-12.0), calcium 12.01 ng/dl (7.90-12.0), creatinine 5.20 ng/dl (0.50-1.80) and glucose 145.3 mg/dl (77.0-125.0). Electolytes and CBC were within normal limits. An IV catheter was placed in the left cephalic vein and Scotchie was started on lactated Ringer’s solution at 93 ml/hr. He remained alert with no vomiting and was taken out on 3 occasions to urinate. He failed to produce any urine in any of the three trips. At 5 PM his renal functions and electrolytes were repeated. Electrolytes were still normal but BUN had increased to 43.7 mg/dl and creatinine to 7.1 mg/dl. He had received nearly a liter of fluids at this point. I felt it was in his best interest to send him to the referral clinic for overnight monitoring and a urinary catheter. The owners agreed and headed out for the hour plus drive with fluids still running. I called the center and spoke with the ER doctor then on duty to alert her to my concerns for Scotchie. She had also heard of a correlation between ARF and raisins but had never seen a case. She concurred with my thoughts of placing a urinary catheter and monitoring urine output as well as continuing fluid therapy.

On presentation to the referral center, Scotchie was ambulatory and alert, temperature was 100.3 degrees F, HR/pulse 124, respiration: panting, mucous membranes slightly injected, weight 56#. He had managed to chew his IV catheter out in the car so it was replaced. He had no abdominal pain but his bladder was not palpable. Heart sounds were normal and lungs were clear with normal respiratory effort.

Once the IV catheter was in place, he was started on 0.9% NaCl with 20 meq KCl at 140 ml/hr—2 times maintenance. He was given 15 mg famotidine IV and 600 mg keflin IV q 8 hr. (for the urinary catheter). A urinary catheter was placed and put on a closed collection system. An in house urinalysis was performed. Protein was 2+, pH 8 and specific gravity 1.012. All other values were normal. A urine culture/sensitivity (recommended by the Internal Medicine department) was sent out and was subsequently found to have no growth. Overnight Scotchie produced small amounts of urine (with lasix given) and began vomiting. At 1 AM he was bolused with 500 ml 0.9% NaCl and given 7.5 mg reglan IV. At 1:30 AM he vomited 3 more times. It was recommended then that he be transferred to Internal Medicine (IM) in the morning since the vomiting had become a problem. The owners agreed.


When I spoke to Scotchie’s IM doctor on the morning of the 15th, now two days after the exposure, he said the vomiting was still an issue and that urine production waxed and waned with lasix boluses. An abdominal ultrasound was planned as well as more bloodwork and continued aggressive fluid therapy and IV anti-emetics. That evening, I received a report of a normal ultrasound with minimal abdominal effusion and structurally normal kidneys. The blood chemistry profile, however, noted an ever-increasing BUN (76), creatinine (7.4), phosphorous (6.5) and potassium (6.3). On the CBC, hemoglobin was low at 12.8 gm/dl (14.0-18.0) as was plasma protein at 5.1 gm/dl (6.0-7.5) and lymphocytes at 0.66 x 1000 ul (1.20-5.20). Scotchie was bright and alert when his owners visited. At some point during hospitalization, Scotch’s fluids were switched to 0.45% NaCl with 2.5% dextrose, the rate in conjunction with urine output. He continued to receive IV keflin tid and blood pressures were monitored every 12 hours. His urine output was monitored every 2 hours.

On the morning of the 16th I learned that the vomiting had begun again. The plan was to continue with therapy as per the previous day and to recheck blood values. When I checked in that evening, I was told that Scotch was again bright and alert when his family visited. However, today his BUN rose to 106, creatinine to 8.5, phosphorous to 9.4 and potassium to 7.0. It had been decided to continue therapy through Saturday and then decide if any response to treatment had been achieved.

On Saturday morning I spoke to the technician assigned to Scotchie. She said the vomiting had subsided overnight but began again that morning. The plan was to repeat bloodwork and make a determination from there whether to continue treatment. She also said it was the first case of raisin toxicity they had ever seen at the center.

An electrolyte panel done at showed sodium at 141 mmol/L (145-157) and potassium at 6.1 mmol/L (3.7-5.3) with normal chloride. A CBC at 5 AM showed hemoglobin at 12.5 gm/dl (14.0-18.0), RDW at 10.9% (12.0-14.5) and lymphocytes at 0.36 x 1000 ul (1.20-5.20). The rest of the CBC was within normal limits. At 10 AM a profile was repeated. BUN was now 122, creatinine 10.0 and phosphorous 11.2. Throughout his hospitalization Scotchie’s urine production would vary between 150-200 ml per 2 hours to as little as 50 ml per 2 hours even with intermittent boluses of lasix to increase production. After 72 hours of aggressive fluid therapy, Scotchie’s level of azotemia continued to progress and his blood pressure rose to 230. Based on the poor response to therapy as well as the diuretics used to attempt to convert the oliguria and the overall poor prognosis, the owners made the heartwrenching decision to euthanize with private cremation. The next therapeutic step would have been an attempt at peritoneal dialysis. Cost estimates for this, even conservatively, could have run well over $10,000 with a very guarded to poor prognosis. I received the sad news from the attending DVM at 3 PM on Saturday afternoon.

That evening, I sent out a quick e-mail to about 25-30 people in my e-mail address book. Some are veterinarians, some breeders, but most just dog-loving pet owners. I asked that they please send the warning on to their friends. I included my name and clinic so anyone with questions could call to verify this was not another Internet hoax. Since then, we have been overwhelmed with calls from all over —veterinarians, breeders, groomers and pet owners—asking for confirmation of the story. I decided to write the case up with Michelle’s blessing and send the information back out to try to alert both animal care professionals and pet owners alike of the serious health risk.

When I called the North Shore Animal League’s to report Scotchie’s untimely passing, I learned more about grape/raisin toxicity. The spokesperson told me that the center has had reports of toxic episodes with as little as consumption of seven raisins. She also stated that initially it was thought imported grapes were the culprit (perhaps due to a specific pesticide being used). It has since been determined that domestically grown, untreated grapes were just as toxic.

Further literature investigation and communication by e-mail with Dr. Gwaltney-Brant revealed more published information. Dr. Charlotte Means, a veterinary toxicologist at the ASPCA’s APCC in, published “The Wrath of Grapes” in the ASPCA Animal Watch, Summer 2002, Volume 22, Number 2. There were 2 letters to the editor from veterinarians in the United Kingdom published in Veterinary Record on 3/8/03, p. 308; 152 (10) and 3/22/03, p. 376, 152 (12) recounting cases that were treated with aggressive fluid therapy, furosemide, dopamine and peritoneal dialysis. The animals were either euthanized or died from complications of renal failure.

In the Dr. Gwaltney-Brant article in JAVMA (Vol. 218, No. 10, May 15, 2001, p. 1555, Letter to the Editor) 10 cases reviewed from the ASPCA APCC computerized database noted 8 of the 10 were reported from 1999 through March, 2001. Various brands of commercial sun-dried raisins and grapes from various sources (the majority being red seedless) were involved. Vomiting began within the first few hours of ingestion in all dogs. Most passed partially digested raisins or grapes in the vomitus, feces or both. Some were reported to exhibit anorexia, diarrhea, lethargy or signs of abdominal pain. Some of the clinical signs continued from days to three weeks post ingestion.

Metabolically the animals exhibited hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, increased BUN and/or increased serum creatinine 24 hours to several days after ingestion. Oliguria (decreased urine production) or anuria (no urine production) with or without isothenuria was reported in several dogs. Three dogs were euthanized and two died. Five recovered with aggressive fluid therapy which lasted up to 3 weeks in some cases. One dog receiving peritoneal dialysis recovered completely. At the time the letter was written, screening for various contaminants (e.g. mycotoxins or heavy metals) was negative, with further results pending.

One dog who underwent necropsy examination exhibited mild renal tubular damage and metastatic mineralization of numerous tissues, but the pathologist felt the severity of the lesions was insufficient to explain the severity of the dog’s clinical illness.

The important point of this discussion is simply that ingestion of grapes or raisins is a medical emergency. Recent ingestion should be handled as with other toxin exposure: emesis, lavage and activated charcoal. According to poison control, fluids should be administered for a minimum of 48 hours and serum chemistries monitored for 72 hours for the development of acute renal failure. It has been stated that if all bloodwork is normal after 3 days, it is unlikely the animal will develop renal failure. It has also been reported that dogs who become oliguric or anuric have the poorest prognosis for recovery. Further speculation regarding the inciting cause of the toxicity has ranged from an unknown nephrotoxin, an idiosyncratic reaction, contamination with mold toxin (ochratoxin), the presence of high levels of Vitamin D or other similar compound, pesticides or other environmental toxin or some unknown intrinsic toxin. As yet, no specific agent or cause has been confirmed.

Sources for further information include the ASPCA website and the Veterinary Information Network (VIN), a members only site.

Chocolate And Your Dogs Health -- What You Should Know

Chocolate. Who can resist it?

Your dogs health depends on it! (resisting, that is). We humans get to indulge because most of us know when to stop. But your dog won't quit after just a few. Give her a chance and she'll down the whole box of Godivas in one gulp. So on Valentine's Day, you're actually being kind to your best buddy if you eat all the chocolates yourself!

**Why is chocolate harmful to a dogs health?**

Chocolate, as you know, is made with cocoa beans. And cocoa beans contain methylxanthine alkaloids in the form of theobromine and caffeinea, which are toxic to dogs. Chocolate can also contain high amounts of fat which can put your dogs health in jeopardy as well.

**How Much is Too Much?**

Though it's certain that dogs and chocolate don't mix, different dogs react differently to the methylxanthines. And reactions can vary according to the age, size and overall health of the dog. The smaller the dog the smaller the dose needed to produce an effect. And of course, if your dog's health is already weakened by other medical conditions, he's more susceptible. The same holds for older dogs.. Theobromine is present in differing amounts in different kinds of chocolate:

· White chocolate 1mg/oz
· Hot chocolate 12 mg /oz
· Milk chocolate 44-66 mg/oz
· Semi-sweet chocolate 260 mg/oz
· Dark chocolate 450 mg/oz (wow!)
· Baking/bitter chocolate or cocoa powder varies as much as 150-600 mg/oz.

**How much chocolate can a dog eat and survive?**

That depends in part on her weight.

Under 200 mg theobromine per kg body weight (91mg per lb) has not been observed to be fatal. A potentially lethal dose in a 16 pound. dog is only one pound of milk chocolate. Only two ounces of baking chocolate can cause serious problems in a 10-pound dog. People stop eating chocolate before getting to toxic levels, but dogs don't!

**What are the warning signs of a problem?**

Any dog who's eaten chocolate should be watched closely for symptoms, particularly smaller dogs, "seniors", and dogs with health problems. Symptoms may range from from vomiting and diarrhea to panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death in severe cases.

While white chocolate may not be as likely to cause a methylxanthine poisoning, the high fat content of lighter chocolates could still lead to vomiting and diarrhea, and possibly the development of life-threatening pancreatitis. Too much fatty food will also affect a dogs health in the same way it does ours, by packing on the pounds!

**What can be done once chocolate is ingested?**

Make note of the type of chocolate ingested and how much was eaten, if possible.

Theobromine will stay in the bloodstream between 14 and 20 hours. Within two hours of ingestion, try inducing vomiting unless your dog is over stimulated, comatose, or has lost the gag reflex.

If your dog has eaten a considerable amount of chocolate, or displays any of the above symptoms, take her to the vet right away. If her symptoms are minor, make her eat activated charcoal. The unabsorbed theobromine binds to it and be passed out of the system. (In a pinch, burnt - as in thoroughly blackened - toast will do.)

**Are there any other products I should worry about?**

Yes -- Cocoa Mulch!!

No, it's not chocolate, but the two products have something in common. They're both derived from the cocoa bean, and they're both hazardous to your dogs health.

Cocoa bean shells are a by-product of chocolate production and are popular as mulch for landscaping. Homeowners like the attractive color and scent, and the fact that the mulch breaks down into an organic fertilizer.

Some dogs are attracted to cocoa mulch, and will eat it in varying quantities. The coca bean shells can contain from 0.2% to 3% theobromine (the toxin ) as compaired to 1-4% in unprocessed beans.

Eating cocoa mulch has four possible outcomes. The most common is vomiting, in 50% of cases. Next most common, in 33% of cases, is tremors (shaking). And 17% end up with tachycardia (rapid heart rate), hyperactivity or diarrhea. The fourth outcome is no effect on the dogs health at all, and this is the result in 33% of cases.

Although only 16 cases were reported in approximately one year (the duration of the study), reports are on the increase. California accounts for about 2/3 of cases reported so far. Fortunately, there have been no reported fatalities, and getting your friend to the vet promptly will assure a happy outcome.

**What's the Bottom Line?**

Thanks to a more educated public, fewer fatalities from foods like chocolate are being reported these days.

Still, it pays to keep up with what's currently known about various foods and their effects on a dogs health and well being. Grapes and cocoa mulch, for example, were discovered only recently to have harmful effects.

If your dogs health is important to you (and I'm betting it is!), then keep him away from the chocolates on Valentine's Day and other holidays as well. And watch out year round for products made from the cocoa bean.

In an emergency, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

Carolyn Schweitzer, a former family dentist, is a PowerSeller on eBay and owner and editor of several websites, including http://www.Great-Dog-Gift.com Visit her there to read about other foods that can harm your dogs health, and check frequently with sources like the ASPCA for updates. Or sign up for her "Cold Noses News" and she'll keep you informed!

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