C o m p a n i o n s

Love is a box of chocolates?

by gerri reid, dvm

Love is in the air!February is not only Heart Health Month but Valentine’s Day.We take the time to recognize our loved ones and lavish them with gifts such as Roses and of course, Chocolate!This is the month Veterinary Hospitals see numerous cases related to ingesting chocolate.So, as pet owners, we need to know what chocolate toxicity is and what to do when your pet ingest chocolate.

People always worry when their pet accidently eats a few Hershey Kisses or get a piece of their candy bar. The severity of chocolate toxicity depends on the kind of chocolate, the amount ingested and the size of the pet Chocolate that is dark and is less sweet or bitter tend to be the chocolate we worry about.Dark Chocolate and Baker’s chocolate are high in methylxanthines, specifically theobromine and caffeine.Ingestion and high levels of these can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, elevated heartrate, hyperactivity, abnormal heartrate, tremors, seizure and even death if untreated.

What do you do if your pet ingest chocolate? Call your Veterinarian immediately or if it is after hours, call the local Emergency Clinic.They can advise you if your need to bring your pet in immediately for treatment.Treatment commonly done if treated soon after ingesting chocolate is removing the contents of the stomach with medications that induce vomiting.This will prevent the absorption of the chocolate into your pet’s body.It is very common to provide supportive treatments such as intravenous fluid therapy to help stabilize your dog and promote theobromine excretion.Often, medications to slow the heart rate may be necessary to treat the elevated heart rate and rhythm.

The size of your pet, type of chocolate ingested and the amount of chocolate is important when determining the severity of toxicity.A large breed dog that eats a few milk chocolate candies, this may not be an emergency due to the small amount that was ingested.But a small dog may ingest the same amount and need immediate treatment.You can calculate if the chocolate your pet ingested is a mild concern or a severe concern by using the chocolate toxicity calculator atwww.petmd.com/dog/chocolatetoxicity.But it is always recommended to seek the advice of a Veterinarian.

Other foods that can be of concern if your pets ingest them are food or candy that contain nuts Also, be aware that some chocolate-containing products may contain other toxins such as macadamia nuts, raisins, coffee or espresso beans, or xylitol.The candy or food may have milk chocolate in it but if they contain these ingredients, it can be toxic to your pet.

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, we can’t wait to indulge in a good box of chocolates!We sit down and savor that tasty, sweet little morsel of goodness.While some of us love chocolate, be aware that chocolate ingestion can be a medical emergency for your pet and even lead to death.Keep those chocolates tuck away somewhere safe where your pets cannot get them.Lastly, always consult with your Veterinarian if your pet has consumed any amount of chocolate.

Dr. Gerri S. Reid is the Owner/Veterinarian of Reid Mobile Veterinary Servicess 540-623-3029 or reidmobilevetservices.com

Dr. Gerri S. Reid is the Owner/Veterinarian of Reid Mobile Veterinary Services. 540-623-3029; reidmobilevetservices.com ; facebook eVetServices

The The Poetry Man Poetry Man

By Frank Fratoe

Variance Variance

Another sunrise in February has given winter a reprieve when buds forming around us shiver in cold that lingers and wind drives a snowfall across ground needing energy to restore animation and awe. Why variance has come again is somehow incomprehensible as it continues to give us this morning of agelessness yet bodes well for adventure far beyond the present hour until glory rouses the Earth.

the city.he loves.