Most of us enjoy chocolate in some form, whether it’s candy or baked goods, so it’s common to have chocolate in your home. However, chocolate is toxic to many types of pets, including birds.
When we think of pets eating chocolate, we often picture dogs devouring an entire bag of candy or a plate of brownies, but given the opportunity, birds can be just as interested in this sweet treat.
Unfortunately, due to birds’ small size, ingesting as much chocolate can be dangerous for them as it is for dogs, and it doesn’t take as much to cause serious harm.
If your pet bird accidentally ingests chocolate, contact your veterinarian or Pet Poisoning HelplineContact us immediately at (855) 764-7661.
What is chocolate poisoning in birds?
Chocolate contains both caffeine and a caffeine-like substance called theobromine, both compounds that are toxic to pets, including birds. When ingested by birds, these compounds can overstimulate the brain and heart, resulting in serious clinical signs such as hyperactivity, tremors, seizures and rapid heart rate.
Birds are small and light, so feeding them lots of chocolate won’t be a problem.
The amount of caffeine and theobromine in chocolate varies depending on how dark it is: the darker the chocolate, the higher the amounts of these substances there are, and the lower the amounts needed to cause harm.
Cocoa powder and unsweetened baking chocolate contain the highest amounts of caffeine and theobromine, so ingesting even the smallest amounts of these types of chocolate is enough to cause chocolate poisoning in birds.
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in birds
Small amounts of chocolate can cause mild symptoms such as reflux, vomiting, and diarrhea, but larger amounts can cause more severe symptoms.
Clinical signs commonly observed after birds ingest chocolate include:
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Reflux
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vomiting
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diarrhea
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Dark-colored stool
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Hyperactivity
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High blood pressure
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Increased heart rate
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Cardiac arrhythmias
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heart failure
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Respiratory failure
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trembling
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Seizures
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death
My bird ate some chocolate, what should I do?
Different types of chocolate contain different amounts of caffeine and theobromine, so different amounts are needed to cause toxicity in birds.
If your bird has eaten chocolate or baked goods containing chocolate, immediately contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 Pet Poison Control Center at (855) 764-7661. These will help you determine if your bird has ingested enough chocolate to be of concern.
If so, your bird will need to be examined at a veterinary facility. When calling your veterinarian or a pet poisoning helpline, provide as much information as possible, including the following:
Birds are small and light, so feeding them lots of chocolate won’t be a problem.
Additionally, details like your bird’s breed, age, approximate weight and any existing medical conditions are also helpful – all of this information can help determine whether your bird is at risk of chocolate poisoning.
How veterinarians treat chocolate poisoning in birds
If your bird has ingested a toxic amount, your veterinarian may perform a laryngeal irrigation to remove some of the chocolate by inserting a tube into the larynx (the expandable pouch in the bird’s throat that stores and softens food) and flushing out the contents.
Medical Grade Activated charcoal can also be given to prevent the toxin from being absorbed in the digestive tract.
Your bird will likely receive fluid therapy, and your veterinary team will closely monitor your bird’s heart rate, blood pressure, and heart rhythm.
Doctors will also be on the lookout for signs of hyperactivity, tremors, and seizures. If these symptoms appear, various medications may be used to manage the clinical signs. Chocolate poisoning can also cause vomiting and diarrhea, which may also require treatment.
The effects of chocolate poisoning can last for 24-48 hours, so if your bird has ingested a toxic amount, it may need to be admitted to a veterinary clinic for one to two days for proper treatment and monitoring.
Preventing chocolate poisoning in birds
Birds are very curious and like to explore their environment, so if you have birds that fly around your house, it’s important to store your chocolate in a closed cabinet or container to keep them from getting to it.
The shiny packaging and colorful coating of chocolates will attract birds and make them more likely to try them. Birds can be quite mischievous when in their cages, so if there is chocolate within reach, they may try to reach out and grab it.
To further protect the birds, be sure to educate your guests, especially children, about what is and is not safe for birds to eat.
It’s common for children to share food with pets, and they may assume that because chocolate is a treat for them, it will be a treat for their pet too. Birds are very perceptive, so they may learn that food is more likely to be dropped when children are nearby and become more cautious and eager to find something tasty to eat.
