He ate several mini chocolate chips coookies
Chocolate ingestion can be quite serious for dogs due to the presence of theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to them. The severity of the toxicity depends on the type and amount of chocolate consumed as well as the size of the dog. Given that your Shih Tzu has eaten several mini chocolate chip cookies, it's important to act quickly.
First, monitor your dog closely for any signs of chocolate toxicity, which can include vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, increased heart rate, tremors, and in severe cases, seizures. These symptoms can take several hours to develop, so even if your dog seems fine now, it's crucial to keep a close eye on him.
In the meantime, you can try to induce vomiting at home if it's been less than two hours since ingestion. Use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, giving 1 teaspoon per 5 pounds of body weight. If you're uncomfortable doing this or if your dog shows any signs of distress, head to the vet right away.
It's also a good idea to contact the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at (888) 426-4435 for further guidance.
Given the potential severity of chocolate toxicity, I strongly recommend taking your dog to the vet as soon as possible to ensure he receives the appropriate care.
If you have any further questions please ask us. Thank you.
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