CupCAKE Help

[puppaws83cbbe]

OK So things are finally settled with the new house and now its just time to start packing and moving. I haven't had much time to think about wedding planning but luckily its still 9 months away so I still have time! Anyway so as yall know What Im planning is to have cupcake trees instead of a large cake. Then the guests will get cupcakes. I will also have a small cake that will be for us to cut as the center piece of our table. I know I can't get away with not having any chocolate at the wedding because allot of people like chocolate cake (including me) The problem I'm having is my 3 dogs are going to be in the wedding and i dont want them getting chocolate as it can kill them!! I'm looking for suggestions on how I can inform people that if they give my dogs any cake or food I will hurt them haha but I need to do it in a nice way :-/ Its an outdoor backyard wedding using the lady and the tramp theme.
Help!?!?! This is my biggest fear!

[steelcutter2003eeda]

Don't know if this will help or not, but this is an artical I found about dogs and chocolate, it seems a small amount will not hurt them. But as for letting your guests know, you could post a small sign buy the cake table, thats decorated with a dog or lady and the tramp on it that say something like, please be kind don't feed me chocolate.


We've all heard it, "Don't give your dog chocolate it will kill him". We'll how true is it you're probably wondering. Do I have to rush him to an emergency vet if he ate one of my M&M's?

The truth is chocolate contains theobromine that is toxic to dogs in sufficient quantities. This is a xanthine compound in the same family of caffeine, and theophylline.

Toxic Levels

The good news is that it takes, on average, a fairly large amount of theobromine 100-150 mg/kg to cause a toxic reaction. Although there are variables to consider like the individual sensitivity, animal size and chocolate concentration.

On average,
Milk chocolate contains 44 mg of theobromine per oz.
Semisweet chocolate contains 150mg/oz.
Baker's chocolate 390mg/oz.

Using a dose of 100 mg/kg as the toxic dose it comes out roughly as:
1 ounce per 1 pound of body weight for Milk chocolate
1 ounce per 3 pounds of body weight for Semisweet chocolate
1 ounce per 9 pounds of body weight for Baker's chocolate.

So, for example, 2 oz. of Baker's chocolate can cause great risk to an 15 lb. dog. Yet, 2 oz. of Milk chocolate usually will only cause digestive problems.

Clinical Signs

Xanthines affect the nervous system, cardiovascular system and peripheral nerves. It has a diuretic effect as well. Clinical signs:

Hyper excitability
Hyper irritability
Increased heart rate
Restlessness
Increased urination
Muscle tremors
Vomiting
Diarrhea

Treatment

There is no specific antidote for this poisoning. And the half life of the toxin is 17.5 hours in dogs. Induce vomiting in the first 1-2 hours if the quantity is unknown. Administering activated charcoal may inhibit absorption of the toxin. An anticonvulsant might be indicated if neurological signs are present and needs to be controlled. Oxygen therapy, intravenous medications, and fluids might be needed to protect the heart.

Milk chocolate will often cause diarrhea 12-24 hours after ingestion. This should be treated symptomatically (fluids, etc..) to prevent dehydration.

If you suspect your pet has ingested chocolate contact your Vet immediately! They can help you determine the the proper treatment for your pet.

[Fordkongffba]

If you are going to have the dogs seperate from everybody a sign would work, letting your guests know not to feed the dogs any cake. If you want to give your dogs a dessert while everybody is having cake, Give them ice cream. There is an ice cream out made espically for dogs. It is called Frosty Paws. There is peanut buttter flavor, vanilla flavor. My dogs like that ice cream. It comes in a pack of 4 and it comes in individual cups. I know all dogs differ in taste. I do not know if I helped you any. Sorry if I wasn't any help.

[CntlAltDlt]

Hi.

I can TOTALLY understand your concern.

Yes, chocolate CAN kill dogs. My aunts Corgie died after finding the Halloween candy. However....chocolate is NOT the only culprit.

Tree Nuts....(Not peanuts which are NOT from trees), Onions, as well as some OTHER foods are also dangerous to dogs...as, it too can cause similiar problems, or just digestive problems.

I suggestion may be to have your dogs kept AWAY from the food area while there is food present. Personally...I have seen my dog....steal a lick from birthday cake icing BEFORE it was cut....EWWW....so, be forwarned, that they can have LITTLE will power behind that waggin tail.

Flowers are ALSO highly toxic....LILY's, among others. You may wish to ask your vet, or check online for a listing (I can't seem to find mine) of various toxic items to see which you will be having in your yard...both for your CEREMONY, and for in the day or so AFTER.....flowers are possibly more toxic to the dogs and cats than the food. And, you may think that they WOULDN'T eat them....but, I have seen dogs eat PRICKER BUSHES.

[heatherc7379defd]

I would be concerned too. I had a friend whos dog got ahold of just a little bit of chocolate and ended up going blind from it. If you are having tables, then maybe put a sign on everyones table to not feed the dogs at all. Or maybe you could just do a little announcement to please not feed the dogs any chocolate as it could hurt them.

[AlmostMrsJones]

I think it's so sweet that you're going to have your dogs there! Why not print something on the programs, or put an insert in the invitations? It might be a bad idea to let people know ahead of time, in cas they are allergic and need to bring Benedryl. I would love to have my dog be the ring bearer, but he can't come to Costa Rica!
As for what to say, maybe something like "Our three esteemed guests (list their names) will be provided with delectable and safe canine cuisine. For their health, please do not share your people food with them--they certainly won't be offering you any of their nibbles in return!" Something cute but clear. Maybe mention "sensitive tummies"--that gets across a clear message without having to mention unpleasant after-effects of people food. My dog was slipped a full turkey dinner under the table at Christmas--hours before we flew back to Florida. I'm still too embarassed to fly Delta and it was 10 years ago!
And the Frosty Paws are fantastic, my dog now goes nuts every time I open the freezer!