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.
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:
These can progress to more severe symptoms including:
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.
Teobrmine can kill dogs because they cannot digest it teobrmine is in chocolate... YUMMY CHOCLATE!!
Because chocolate has theobromine and humans easily metabolize theobromine, while dogs metabolize theobromine much more slowly.
The cocoa bean used in making Chocolate is poisonous to them
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A dog shouldn't eat chocolate because it can kill them
You cannot give a dog chocolate or milk because it will make them very ill!
Chocolate may kill dogs.
dogs can't eat chocolate period it has chemical acids that tears up the dogs stomache
the worst are cooked bones, chocolate, grapes and raisins, and nuts. (although peanut butter is OK)
you cant remember dogs cant have choclate!
i dont know what you mean by the late part but dogs cant get worms from chocolate
Bake with it just do not feed it to the dogs!
dogs cant eat chocolate so they didnt put it in the game
A dog shouldn't eat chocolate because it can kill them
chocolate kills dogs because most dogs are allergic to chocolate,which cant pass there throut without an allergic reaction
You cannot give a dog chocolate or milk because it will make them very ill!
Chocolate is poisonous to cats and dogs. Don't give them anything chocolate or chocolate-flavored.
Well dogs cant eat choc (Chocolate) or they will die right?
chocolate especially
they can, but it might make them sick. The only things that dogs cant eat are grapes, rasins, and chocolate.
Theobromine and it kills the heart,but its mostly the dark chocolate that's bad for them.