Christmas Presents can be Deadly for Dogs
I would like to advise everyone with dogs to think twice before following instructions on a gift that read do not open until Christmas.
A very nice family I met last night received a Christmas present from an acquaintance. They placed it, still wrapped, underneath their tree. Unbeknownst to them the package contained a pound and a half of dark chocolate.
Although the family had no way of knowing the package’s contents, their dog sniffed it out in short order. He consumed the entire block of chocolate and most of the wrapping.
Chocolate is toxic to dogs. Small amounts may cause no symptoms, or may cause mild agitation. Larger quantities can cause muscle spasms, high body temperature, and severe agitation. Fatal doses cause seizures, heart palpitations, and death.
This dog had consumed a potentially fatal dose. The family sought veterinary attention immediately. We were able to save the dog with intensive overnight management. But for much of the night a favorable outcome did not seem certain. Without prompt medical attention the dog certainly would have died.
In my mind, this story is a good reason to treat yourself to the pleasure of opening all of your gifts as you receive them.
Image originally found here.
You have questions. 
Dogs make great pets, but like small children, they must be supervised. I agree, if you receive a gift with unknown contents, think twice before putting it within your dog’s reach.
I would also like to add the dangers of rawhide. Rawhide can be deadly as well for pets. Used primarily as a treat to stop chewing, owners are unaware that rawhide cannot be digested. It is usually made outside the USA where ingredients are not monitored. One ingredient is ARSENIC. This is widely used in South America, Thailand, China, etc. as a preservative. Would you like to chew on something that is treated with Arsenic? I have known several dogs who almost died from these rawhides. They are deadly DO NOT GIVE YOUR PETS RAWHIDE TREATS!! Thanks.
I had a similar experience with my dachshund that I had years ago. I found him in the process of eating a pound of m&m’s. I called the vet immediately and the vet told me to give him a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide. He vomited up all of the chocolate and was fine. Is this still okay to do as long as you catch them in the act?
Thank you for warning! My master regales me only very small piece of chocolate, or cookie in coffee, seldom , however .