Dr. Windom

Dr.Tail Vet

Dark chocolate ingestion is a serious concern for dogs due to the presence of theobromine, which is toxic to them. Given that your Labrador Retriever, who weighs around 100 pounds, has ingested approximately 2 ounces of dark chocolate and is now barely responsive, this situation is indeed alarming.

The symptoms of chocolate toxicity can include vomiting, diarrhea, an increased heart rate, restlessness, muscle tremors, and in severe cases, seizures or coma. The fact that your dog is barely responsive suggests that the situation may be quite severe.

Immediate action is necessary. Here are the steps you should take:

First, if it has been less than two hours since ingestion, you might consider inducing vomiting by giving your dog 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide. This can help expel the chocolate from the stomach. However, given your dog's current state, it might not be advisable to do this without professional guidance.

Second, activated charcoal can help absorb any remaining theobromine in the digestive system, but it should be administered by a veterinarian.

Most importantly, given the severity of the symptoms, it is crucial to take your dog to an emergency veterinary clinic immediately. The veterinarian can provide treatments such as intravenous fluids, medications to control symptoms, and continuous monitoring.

The urgency is due to the fact that chocolate toxicity can escalate quickly and become life-threatening. Professional veterinary care is essential to manage and mitigate the effects of theobromine poisoning.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you.