Can dogs go blind if they eat chocolate?

Answer 1

No; cat food is safe for dogs to eat in the short term. The reason why dog food can cause heart failure and blindness if fed to cats (within a period of time), is because dog food does not contain Taurine and other essential nutrients cats need.
A few months ago someone asked the same question, but in reverse ("Will a cat go blind from eating dog food?"). I'm not sure if cats or dogs can actually go blind from eating each other's food, but it is definitely not good for them. It might not cause blindness, but it would certainly cause health problems.

Dogs are omnivores, like humans, while cats are strictly carnivores (meat eaters). Dogs need a certain amount of food made from plants, while the best cat food contains little or no plant matter. Which means that cat food is way too high in protein and fat for a dog, and dog food is way too low in protein and fat for a cat. According to the Related Question below, a dog that eats cat food on a regular basis can develop kidney problems from all the excess meat. And according to the Related Link below, a cat that eats dog food can develop heart problems and "other serious health issues."

Answer 2

These are the stuff that can hurt your dog or your cat

Xylitol

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in products such as gum, candy, mints, toothpaste, and mouthwash. Xylitol is harmful to dogs because it causes a sudden release of insulin in the body that leads to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Xylitol can also cause liver damage in dogs. Within 30 minutes after eating, the dog may vomit, be lethargic (tired), and/or be uncoordinated. However, some signs of toxicity can also be delayed for hours or even for a few days. Xylitol toxicity in dogs can be fatal if untreated. It is unknown whether xylitol is toxic to cats.

Chocolate, Coffee, and Caffeine

Chocolate contains theobromine, a chemical that is toxic to dogs in large enough quantities. Chocolate also contains caffeine, which is found in coffee, tea, and certain soft drinks. Different types of chocolate contain different amounts of theobromine and caffeine. For example, Dark Chocolate and Baking Chocolate contain more of these compounds than Milk Chocolate does, so a dog would need to eat more milk chocolate in order to become ill. However, even a few ounces of chocolate can be enough to cause illness in a small dog, so no amount or type of chocolate should be considered "safe" for a dog to eat. Chocolate toxicity can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid or irregular heart rate, restlessness, muscle tremors, and seizures. Death can occur within 24 hours of ingestion.

Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins can cause acute (sudden) kidney failure in cats and dogs. It is unknown what the toxic agent is in these fruits. However, clinical signs can occur within 24 hours of eating and include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy (tiredness). Other signs of illness relate to the eventual shutdown of kidney functioning.

Avocados

The avocado tree leaves, pits, fruit, and plant bark are likely all toxic. Clinical signs in dogs and cats include vomiting and diarrhea.

Garlic and Onions

Garlic and onions contain chemicals that damage red blood cells in cats and dogs. Affected red blood cells can rupture or lose their ability to carry oxygen effectively. Cooking these foods does not reduce their potential toxicity. Fresh, cooked, and/or powdered garlic and/or onions are commonly found in baby food, which is sometimes given to animals when they are sick, so be sure to read food labels carefully.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are common in candies and chocolates. The mechanism of macadamia nut toxicity is not well understood, but clinical signs in dogs include depression, weakness, vomiting, tremors, joint pain, and pale gums. Clinical signs can occur within 12 hours after eating. In some cases, signs can resolve without treatment in 24 to 48 hours, but patient monitoring is strongly recommended.

Answer 3

It depends how much it ate. If you're talking about a few pieces it would be okay, but a whole bar - that's another matter. The harmful substance that's present in 'ordinary' chocolate is 'theobromine' There are 'special' chocolate products on the market specifically formulated for dogs which have this substance removed.

Answer 4

No, chocolate is toxic for dogs and may kill them.

Answer 5

They develop yellow eyes and usually die...Sorry.This could be prevented if you take them to the vet in the first 24 hours.