If you own a dog, then you know that they love to lick things. From their owner’s hands to the doorknobs, if there is anything that can be licked, your dog will try it. But what about cocoa butter?
Do dogs actually lick cocoa butter and is it bad for them? While there is no definite answer, some people believe that licking cocoa butter can be harmful because it can contain chemicals that can be toxic.
In this article, we are going to go over everything you need to know about cocoa butter and whether or not your dog should be licking it. Keep in mind that this is only a recommendation and ultimately you have to decide what is best for your Pets.
What Are The Risks Of Cocoa Butter For Dogs?
There are a few risks associated with cocoa butter and dogs. The first is that it can be a choking hazard. If your dog swallows a piece of cocoa butter, it could get stuck in their throat and cause them to choke. Another risk is that cocoa butter can contain high levels of theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. If your dog ingests too much theobromine, it could cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and even death.
The best way to avoid these risks is to keep your dog away from cocoa butter altogether. If you must use it in your home, make sure it is out of reach of your pet and never give them any chocolate that contains cocoa butter.
What Are The Symptoms Of Cocoa Butter Poisoning In Dogs?
If your dog ingests cocoa butter, the first thing you’ll notice is that they will become very excited and have lots of energy. This is followed by vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, your dog may experience seizures and heart arrhythmias. If you think your dog has ingested cocoa butter, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately as this can be a life-threatening condition.
How Can You Prevent Your Dog From Licking Cocoa Butter?
It’s no secret that dogs love to lick things. They’ll lick their own bodies, other animals, and even inedible objects. But why do they do it?
There are a few reasons. For one, licking is a way for dogs to explore their environment. When they lick something, they’re usually trying to figure out what it is and whether it’s edible.
Licking is also a way for dogs to show affection. When they lick you, they’re basically giving you a doggy kiss. And when they lick other dogs, it’s often a sign of submission or friendship.
But sometimes licking can be problematic. If your dog licks cocoa butter, for example, there’s a chance he could ingest harmful chemicals. The best way to prevent this is to keep cocoa butter out of reach of your dog. You can also try using deterrents like bitter apple spray or hot sauce to discourage your dog from licking.
How Do You Treat A Dog That Has Ingested Cocoa Butter?
If your dog ingests cocoa butter, the first thing you should do is call your veterinarian. Depending on the amount of cocoa butter ingested, your dog may experience vomiting and diarrhea. In more severe cases, chocolate toxicity can lead to tremors, seizures and even death.
Your veterinarian will likely induce vomiting and give your dog a charcoal slurry to bind any remaining chocolate in the gastrointestinal tract. They may also give your dog IV fluids to prevent dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea. If your dog has already vomited, it’s important not to give them anything else by mouth as this could cause them to aspirate (inhale) the vomit into their lungs.
In most cases, dogs will recover from chocolate toxicity with treatment from a veterinarian. However, it’s important to keep an eye on your dog for the next 24-48 hours and contact your vet if they develop any new symptoms or their symptoms worsen.
Should You Be Worried If Your Dog Licks Cocoa Butter?
No, you shouldn’t be worried if your dog licks cocoa butter. While it’s true that cocoa butter is poisonous to dogs, the amount that would be ingested by licking it off your skin is minimal and not likely to cause any harm.
If you’re still concerned, there are a few things you can do to make sure your dog doesn’t ingest too much cocoa butter. First, keep any products containing cocoa butter out of reach of your dog. Second, wipe off any excess cocoa butter from your skin after applying it. And finally, if you see your dog licking cocoa butter off your skin, wash it off immediately.
While ingesting small amounts of cocoa butter is unlikely to cause harm to your dog, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. If you have any concerns about your dog’s health, please consult with a veterinarian.
Conclusion
While licking small amounts of cocoa butter off your skin is not likely to cause your dog any harm, ingesting large amounts of it can be toxic. Symptoms of cocoa butter poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures. If you think your dog has ingested cocoa butter, contact your veterinarian immediately. Treatment will typically involve giving your dog IV fluids and monitoring their vital signs. Prevention is the best medicine, so keep your dog away from cocoa butter products and make sure to clean up any spills right away.