Why is chocolate bad for dogs? I used to give my two dogs chocolate until they were age 7 and 5 because I didn't know they were bad for dogs. They never threw up or anything like that. My dogs are poodle+yorkshire terrier mix(mom) and mom+pure poodle(daughter). They are now age 13 and 11 and very healty... never got sick before.
2006-06-22 06:39:40 · 15 answers · asked by Test 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
There is a chemical in chocolate theobromine (sp?) that is what can kill your dog. Bakers chocolate and dark chocolate have more of it than milk chocolate does. With small breeds even a small amount can kill the dog. If you feed chocolate on a regular basis you are taking chances with your pets life.
There are far better treats for your dog anyway. And things they like much better like hotdogs or freeze dried liver treats.
2006-06-22 06:46:24 · answer #1 · answered by tlctreecare 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chocolate contains 2 ingredients which are very harmful to dogs and cats. 1) Caffeine and 2) Theo-bromine Both are stimulants. Although vomiting and diarrhea may occur, the BIG reason why they are toxic is because these drugs cause tachycardia (racing heart) to the point at which deadly irregularities can occur. So, in essence, the heart gets to beating so fast that it cannot handle it. In addition, you may see other signs: pacing, panting, shaking, or possible convulsions. These signs are seen prior to the irregular heart rate. The deadly effects of chocolate may not be SEEN until the pet dies from a heart attack (basically). Although Baker's chocolate is the most harmful ALL chocolate is dangerous (including white chocolate). In addition, grapes, raisins and onions can all be deadly for animals. Also, some animals can tolerate toxins better than others. Much like humans. Some people drink a cup of coffee and they are fine. Other drink from the same pot and are wired all day. If this drug has this effect on humans, think about the effect on the smaller critters.
2006-06-22 13:54:26 · answer #2 · answered by Lauren 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Chocolate can be poisonous to some dogs. I had one friend whose dog ate chocolate and almost died. On the other hand, my brother's dog ate a box of chocolate and was just fine. I also have a friend who has a poodle that just LOVES chocolate. But to be on the safe side, I wouldn't give them chocolate very often.
2006-06-22 13:50:57 · answer #3 · answered by mac 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs can not break down and digest the properties of chocolate and it becomes a toxin and shuts down their liver. You are very, very lucky that your dogs never became ill. You must not have given them much in the way of chocolate. If you want to give your babies a sweet treat, you can find some specialty treats that use dog friendly chocolate substitute.
2006-06-22 13:52:24 · answer #4 · answered by buggsnme2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My friends little pug got into the kids Easter candy after the Easter bunny hid it and when they got up in the morning they found their little dog dead . It was devastating for the kids inparticulare. Our vet said that some dogs could tolerate chocolate some times but if they got it they could die the next time. Just like us their tolerance can be up sometimes and if they aren't healthy the next time could be the last time. He says don't give it to them at any time. He says that the biggest risk is that it can damage the liver.
2006-06-22 13:53:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chocolate contains certain chemicals, which taken in high doses, can cause the dog's heartbeat to get messed up and/or kill them. Caffeine and theobromine are hazardous to dogs, and in large amounts, can be lethal. You got lucky, but that doesn't mean you should contnue to push your luck ... I don't know how much you have given your dogs, but now is the time to stop.
2006-06-22 13:47:00 · answer #6 · answered by icehoundxx 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chocolate is poison to SOME dogs..most people won't feed their dogs chocolate because they don't want to find out the hard way whether their dog is affected by it or not.My dog had accidentally gotten into chocolate and nothing has happened to her either..so I guess we're just lucky!
2006-06-22 13:45:13 · answer #7 · answered by Courtney L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs do not have an enzyme to break down the chocolate like humans and with the right amount it can kill them. I advise not to give them anymore.
2006-06-22 13:43:25 · answer #8 · answered by yeppers 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
. In small quantities chocolate can cause vomiting and diarrhea. In large quantities it can be toxic and cause death. It also depends on the type of chocolate, milk chocolate - not so bad, dark chocolate - bad, baking chocolate - deadly. It's not really good for them so it's best to avoid it altogether.
2006-06-22 13:48:15 · answer #9 · answered by Christine 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Chocolate toxicity would basically cause hyper excitement, twitching, and cardiac arrhythmias to cardiac arrest. I believe it that's what it does, but I'd have to refresh on my toxicology.
In other words, you are lucky that such little dogs didn't have a major serious reaction.
-b
2006-06-22 13:47:02 · answer #10 · answered by rabbitwhisperer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋