Why Can't I Feed My Dog Chocolate or Grapes?

Chocolate contains Theobromine, a chemical that is toxic to dogs. Chocolate toxicity is dose-dependent. This means that it varies according to individual sensitivity, animal size, type of chocolate, and amount of chocolate ingested.

• - excitement
• - nervousness
• - restlessness
• - vomiting
• - diarrhoea
• - muscle spasm
• - seizures
• - increased thirst
• - increased urination
• - increased heart rate
• - heart rhythm abnormalities
• - coma, death

Grapes and raisins can cause toxic reactions in dogs. The toxicity is also dose-dependent. The exact mechanism is still unknown. Grape and raisin toxicity causes gastrointestinal upsets first then progresses to sudden kidney failure and death.

• - vomiting
• - diarrhea
• - anorexia
• - lethargy
• - depression
• - abdominal pain
• - tremors
• - increased urination and increased drinking.

Hence, it is safest not to feed your dog any amount of chocolate, grapes or raisins. Should your dog ingest any of the above, you need to contact your vet immediately.

Will My Dog Suffer from Heat Stroke?

The answer is YES, especially with the hot and humid climate in Singapore. Heat stroke occurs when the dog suffers from dehydration, exhaustion and uncontrollable rise in body temperature (normal body temperature of dogs: 38ºC-39.5ºC; when heat stroke occurs, the dog’s temperature can rise up to 42ºC and this is LIFE THREATENING!).

How can my dog suffer from heat stroke?
Heat stroke can occur when you overexert your dog by forcing it to run long distances or at high speed under hot and humid climate conditions. Heat stroke can also occur when your dog does not receive enough water before or during exercise.

Is my dog at risk?
In general, big breed dogs like German Shepherds or Golden Retrievers generally have better stamina than smaller breed dogs like Pomeranians or Chihuahuas. However, due to their thicker fur coat, they can also suffer from heat stroke if you are not careful.
Sporting or hunting dogs like Jack Russells and Beagles are generally more athletic hence they can cope with longer distances better. But care must also be given especially if they run too fast or when they are exercising under the hot sun.
Brachycephalic dogs like Bull dogs and Pugs (with shortened nasal passage, flat face and bulging eyes) will have respiratory distress when overexerted.

If your dog is dark or black coloured, take special note that they can absorb more heat more easily so it is important that you don’t walk/run your dog under the hot sun.

It is important to understand the breed and size of your dog and then decide sensibly how long and how fast he can walk/run. On an average it is advisable that you walk/run at a comfortable pace for about ½ hour during the cooler periods of the day.

How can I prevent my dog from suffering from heat stroke?
With the hot and humid weather in Singapore, it is important to take extra care when you bring your dog out for a walk or run. Do so when it is the cooler times of the day i.e. mornings or evenings. Allow your dog to drink sufficiently before exercise. You can also bring along a water bottle especially for your doggie! Always allow your dog to walk or run at its own pace and NEVER force it to over exert itself. Many people love to cycle while their dogs run alongside with them. This is safe only when you do it at a pace that is comfortable for your dog and when you do so during the cooler periods of the day. It is also important to understand the stamina and physique of your dog. If he has not run long distance or at high speed before, then be sure to allow sufficient time for your dog to ‘train up’. Dogs are like us, we all need time to build up our stamina and strength in any form of exercise or sports.

How else can my dog get heat stroke?
Firstly, understand the physiological needs of your dog. If you have a big dog with long and thick fur coat, do not leave it out in the garden under the scorching hot sun without any decent shade or shelter. Always provide fresh water supply. It is preferable that dogs with long and thick fur coat be kept indoors with a fan or air con turned on for them. Secondly, assess the environment your pet is put in. If you have a big garden, always provide shelter (big trees, kennel: but take note the material of your kennel as zinc roof will trap heat making the air in the kennel too hot!). If you have a small dog in your apartment, make sure it is kept in a room that is well ventilated or does not have the heat of the afternoon sun searing through the windows. If your little dog is a highly excitable one, making sure it has plenty of fresh water and kept in a shaded/sheltered environment will be advisable. Thirdly, do not leave your pet dogs (cats or hamsters or birds, etc etc) in your car unattended! Even if you left the air con on or open the windows slightly, there is always the potential risk of heat stroke or stress. It is always wiser to take your pet along with you when you leave the car, or bring them back and settle them comfortably at home before doing a short errand.