To think they should take him to the vets

[Huggyhuggy]

My mum and dads dog had a full box of ‘black magic’ dark chocolates yesterday and today has vomiting, wheezing, and is laid down looking very sorry for himself but they won’t take to the vets saying none will be open now

@TiredEyesToday

I've never paid upfront at any vets? Always after treatment! Then the dog could get treatment and the OP (who hasn't said it's the parents low on funds but them from what I've read unless I've misunderstood) can get the parents to settle the bill.

@TiredEyesToday
ODFOD

Are you calling the vet OP?

Taxi to local pdsa.... Or you are frankly in cahoots with your disgusting dps... If that ddog dies you should all be prosecuted.. Our husky has eaten all sorts but even she would have been to a vet by now. Lurchers aren't as hardy. I have 2....

ODCDD

I used to be a Vet Nurse, Theobromine in chocolate is very toxic in large amounts, normally you would induce vomitting ideally within one hour of consumption, in this case and the symptoms you are describing the dog needs urgent bloods to check liver/kidney function and fluid therapy asap, if the dog collapses and your parents have allowed a dog to suffer through an act of omission.

Exactly.

If the OP took the dogs to the vets they would need paying immediately after treatment. She wouldn't be able to say send my parents the bill. That's not how vets work.

The parents have to sign to agree they will pay.

Your parents are not fit to own a dog. If he is very lucky and survives this episode please do the decent thing and get the poor dog rehomed with someone who will look after him properly.

Gosh this is awful to read, that poor dog. They rely on us to do the right thing for them & this is neglect. I’d fall out with my parent for this.

PDSA will only take on people usually on benefits. And our local PDSA is not taking on anyone new as the demand is so high

I also have a Lurcher and what previous posters have said is correct. The dog could have Pancreatitis which can be very painful, do not allow the dog to suffer a vet will always administer pain relief whilst a plan is being made. This isn't a very nice thing to say and not that you should do this at all but if an animal is ever suffering and finances are an issue most vets will pts to ensure the animal is free from suffering that is always the main concern.

I don't think anything is going to be done about this poor dog. OP, if you are still reading I suggest you tell your parents to never, ever leave anything lying around that the dog can eat again - if he survives. If he ate chocolate mints a few days ago and another lot today, then what the hell is wrong with them? I would also suggest they either get pet insurance or they rehome the dog. They should not own an animal if they can't afford to save its life in an emergency.

This is awful. That poor, poor dog.

I hate to say it, but if it's been 24 hours already it could well be too late for this poor dog. Once the signs of kidney failure kick in, there's nothing that can be done.

Totally incorrect advice, the most dangerous type.

I was thinking the same, it should have had emergency treatment straight away. Probably too late to do much now.
But at least a vet would be able to administer pain relief or even PTS if there is no hope, so at least the dog doesn't die in pain.

https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/chocolate-poisoning

They need a vet yesterday preferably, but ASAP. That poor dog.

My cat had an allergy and was scratching her very skin off. The vets gave her a steroid injection sent me a bill which I paid six months later when I had the money and they were perfectly happy with that. As long as you communicate with them.

I am going to sort something. They are still being very lax about it saying dogs they’ve had in the past have ate chocolate saying they’ll keep an eye on him.

The toxins from chocolate poisoning also build over time, a little known fact. Many dogs have had an occasional chocolate, then one day a single chocolate could cause the final irreversible damage. Emergency vet immediately given the symptoms you've described. It's a criminal offence to cause or allow unnecessary suffering to an animal.

Just a thought, has he been to the toilet since the wrapped chocolates? He could have an obstruction

I’m not sure if this has already been said, but please call the emergency vet associated with the dog’s normal vet (you should be put through straight away if you call the normal vet’s number, or given a number to call). Our emergency vet often provides advice over the phone, free of charge.

Please do something, the poor dog is at a minimum very uncomfortable and needs help.

This morning he went apparently