Levine agreed, saying that you should contact your vet as soon as possible in order to figure out the next steps. To ensure that you and your pet stay safe this holiday season, POPSUGAR spoke to pet experts and untangled the truth behind chocolate, why your pets shouldn't eat it, and what your first steps should be if they do. Experts from PetMD added that traces of caffeine can also contribute to chocolate's harmful effects, and both caffeine and theobromine are present in all kinds of chocolate, just at different levels. For instance, "Milk chocolate does not contain as much cocoa powder and is not as dangerous as bakers or dark chocolate," Dr. Ochoa said. The strength of the toxins in the chocolate is ultimately dependent on the amount of cocoa used, which means dark chocolate is the most dangerous, but even white chocolate can be fatal in some cases.

This is because Doberman puppies are very high energy and can easily frighten or even harm a young child. Other warning signs Levine advised pet owners to report to their vet are restlessness, increased rate of breathing, increased heart rate, high temperature, seizures, and muscle rigidity. High sugar concentration in chocolate can upset doggy tummies and the high fat content can cause pancreatitis. Be especially cautious of hot cross buns as many of them contain raisins and/or chocolate! According to Kristen Levine, pet parenting expert and creator of Pet Living, while chocolate tastes delicious for humans, it can actually be toxic for pets like cats and dogs. With Christmas just a few short days away, safety for your pet should be starting to percolate to the top of your mind. Finally, it goes without saying that an animal should never be left alone in a car with the windows up, even on mild days when you think the temperature isn’t that hot.

By understanding how dogs keep cool - and what we can do to help - we can ensure our dogs don’t overheat, so we can all enjoy those dog days of summer to the fullest. For added help looking for the right winter gear protection to but your dog check out our article: What type of Dog Coats are Good for the Spring and Fall. Dr. Callie Harris, DVM, and Purina veterinarian, recommended looking to see what type of chocolate your pet consumed, how much they ate, and when they ate it. What Should You Do First If Your Pet Eats Chocolate? NEVER leave your pet in a car: If you must take your dog out with you on a hot day do not leave them in the car. Once your dog is comfortable with following a command, try the same command Keep Your Dog Cool In The Summer in a different environment. " command can be an effective way to curb that insatiable urge to pick up any dropped food. Just like with children, leaving your dog alone in a parked car when the temperature is warm is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious injuries or death. Make sure to store all the chocolate items beyond the reach of your dog.

A mangled chocolate wrapper, the telltale leftovers on your fur baby's face, and the sneaking suspicion that something has gone terribly wrong. Though fur does work as insulation and provides cooling and UV protection, black dogs are still at a much higher risk of overheating quicker than dogs of other colors. It’s always best to respond with the greatest urgency and play it safe from the outset, for the sake of your fur buddy. Beat the sun. Early in the morning and late at night is the best time to schedule walks and other exercise with your dog. Feel free to trim longer hair on your dog, but never shave your dog. If you have your dog, then you have a wise decision of what your dog loves to nibble on. The SCENEREAL Dog Ice Cooling Bandana is made with the latest crystalline polymer materials. On these days, a homemade cooling vest can be an easy way to keep them from overheating.