Last Updated on September 20, 2023
Straight up, the answer is no, Australian Shepherds shouldn’t really have chocolate!
This is because chocolates have certain components that don’t blend too well with a Australian Shepherds’ digestive system, such as theobromine (which is somewhat like a sort of caffeine).
Theobromine also affects a Australian Shepherds’ central nervous system, kidneys, and even the heart! Australian Shepherds have a hard time metabolizing this substance, unlike humans.
This means that this toxic component has a tendency to build up in a Australian Shepherds’ body, making it harmful for them.
The Other Effects Of Theobromine
When Australian Shepherds eat this sweet snack, high doses of theobromine might result in seizures, muscle tremors, vomiting, internal bleeding, and even heart attack!
Are All Chocolate Types Dangerous?
According to studies, dark chocolate and bitter-tasting chocolates tend to be much more dangerous for your pet. Milk chocolate affects Australian Shepherds less but can be equally dangerous when eaten in great amounts.
Symptoms You Should Look Out For
When suspecting Australian Shepherds to have eaten any type of chocolate or potential poisoning, you can always look out for clinical signs like hyperactivity, diarrhea, vomiting, restlessness, increased urination, and an abnormal heart rate. These symptoms tend to appear within the first 6 to 12 hours upon excessive intake.
My Dog Ate Chocolate. What Should I Do?
You should contact your trusted veterinarian immediately if your dog is suspected to have eaten chocolate.
While you can always consider your dog’s size and type, it’s best to leave care and potential treatment to the professionals.
For light cases, vets usually rely on the vomiting method for Australian Shepherds. Depending on how serious the case is, supplemental treatment can also be the way to go.
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