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Chocolate has a certain stimulant in it called theobromine, which is naturally found in cocoa plants. This stimulant basically has the same effect as a sugar rush, and this is why it is harmful for dogs. If a dog were to have too much, it's system will try to get rid of it, which would result in vomiting/diarrhea, and will cause discomfort to the dog. These are the sypmtoms that would appear before the actual "sugar rush" effect would take place: the dog's heart rate would increase, and if not taken care of, the dog's heart may actually give out in the end, ecspecially if they have had medical problems in the past, or are older. Of course, if your dog has developed his/her immune system towards it, they won't be as affected, or affected at all, ecspecially if you are only giving him/her a little. Even different brands of chocolate have varying levels of theobromine in it, so technically some is less harmful then others. It would be wise to be cautious about it, but there is no need to be paranoid.

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12y ago
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11y ago

Chocolate contains a substance known as Theobromine. Caffeine is also present in chocolate, but in much smaller doses than throbromine. This chemical is poisonous to dogs and cats. Cats and dogs metabolize theobromine much more slower, thus less effectively, than humans. Different types of chocolate have different amounts of theobromine. Cooking chocolate contains the highest levels of theobromine, followed by Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate and white chocolate. Severity of toxicity differ depending on the type of chocolate and the size and weight of the animal, but it should never be assumed that any chocolate consumed by a pet is safe.

Theobromine is a stimulant found in the cocoa bean that is a diuretic (increases urination) and affects the central nervous system and heart muscle. Clinical signs of theobromine poisoning often appear within 10 to 12 hours, although veterinary treatment is advised as early as possible. The first signs of a cat or dog shows of eating chocolate are usually diarrhea and vomiting. As theobromine is a diuretic, frequent urination and increase of thirst are also likely to occur.

Other symptoms include:

  • Hyperactivity
  • Restlessness

These can progress to more severe symptoms including:

  • Cardiac dysfunction (irrregular heartbeat and/or slow heart rate)
  • Muscle tremors
  • Seizures

In the very worst cases, chocolate poisoning can be fatal.

If you suspect your cat or dog has eaten chocolate, it is highly recommended to take them to the vet immediately. Early treatment may just save the animal's life, and save it from of the more serious symptoms developing.

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11y ago

Teobrmine can kill dogs because they cannot digest it teobrmine is in chocolate... YUMMY CHOCLATE!!

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9y ago

Because chocolate has theobromine and humans easily metabolize theobromine, while dogs metabolize theobromine much more slowly.

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8y ago

The cocoa bean used in making Chocolate is poisonous to them

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15y ago

* * * *

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Q: How come people say dogs can't have chocolate?
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