Is chocolate bad 4 dogs?

Answer 1

It takes a fair amount of chocolate to kill a pet, but chocolate can be toxic. It contains a xanthine compound called theobromine. Caffeine is another xanthine compound.

The toxic dose of theobromine is about 70 mg per pound of pet, but like many substances, it all depends on the sensitivity of the patient.

Milk chocolate contains 6 mg of theobromine per ounce. Semi-sweet chocolate contains about 22 mg/oz. and baking chocolate about 350 to 400 mg/oz.

Answer 2

Source: http://tafkac.org/animals/chocolate_and_dogs.html

"It is not chocolate itself that is poisonous to dogs, it is the theobromine, a naturally occuring compound found in chocolate. Theobromine causes different reactions to different dogs: dogs with health problems, especially epilepsy, are more affected by theobromine than healthy dogs. Theobromine can trigger epileptic seizures in dogs prone to or at risk of epilepsy. The size of the dog will also be a major factor: the smaller the dog, the more affected it is by the same amount than a larger dog. Therefore, toxicity is described on a mg/Kg basis.

Furthermore, theobromine can cause cardiac irregularity, especially if the dog becomes excited. Cardiac arythmia can precipitate a myocardial infarct which can kill the dog.

Theobromine also irritates the GI tract and in some dogs can cause internal bleeding which in some cases kills them a day or so later.

Theobromine is also present in differing amounts in different kinds of chocolate. milk chocolate has 44-66 mg/oz, dark chocolate 450 mg/oz and baking/bitter chocolate or cocoa powder varies as much as 150-600 mg/oz. How much chocolate a dog can survive depends on its weight (and other unknown circumstances). Under 200 mg theobromine per kg body weight no deaths have been observed.

Theobromine will stay in the bloodstream between 14 and 20 hours. It goes back into the bloodstream through the stomach lining and takes a long time for the body to filter out. Because theobromine is eliminated through the liver rather than through the kidneys, it takes a long time to eliminate it.

Within two hours of ingestion, try inducing vomiting unless your dog is markedly stimulated, comatose, or has lost the gag reflex. If your dog has eaten a considerable amount of chocolate, or displays any of the above symptoms, take it to the vet without delay.

In the absence of major symptoms, administer activated charcoal. The unabsorbed theobromine will chemically bond to this and be eliminated in the feces. Burnt (as in thoroughly burnt, crumbling in hand) toast will do. "

Answer 3

Chocolate and Dogs - A Deadly Combination!

Most pet owners realize that chocolate is bad for dogs, yet few could tell you what makes chocolate poisonous, or just how much is toxic to a dog. The truth is that chocolate contains theobromine, a compound in the same family as caffeine and theophylline. Dogs metabolize this class of drugs differently than humans. Once ingested, theobromine stays in the dog's body a long time. Too much of it can cause illness and even death.

The good news is that it takes a fairly large amount of theobromine (100 – 150 mg/kg of body weight) to cause a toxic reaction in a dog. The bad news is that some forms of chocolate do contain a large amount of this substance, with unsweetened baking chocolate being the most dangerous

On average:

Milk chocolate contains 44 mg/oz
Semisweet chocolate contains 150 mg/oz
Unsweetened baking chocolate contains 390 mg/oz
Therefore, a toxic dose of chocolate would equate to:

1 oz per pound of body wt. for milk chocolate
1 oz per 3 lbs. of body wt. for semisweet chocolate
1 oz per 9 lbs. of body wt. for unsweetened baking chocolate
So, although it would cause major digestive problems, a 16 lb. dog would probably have to eat a whole 1 lb. bag of milk chocolate Hershey's kisses to reach a toxic level of theobromine. However, just 2 oz. of dark baking chocolate would cause great risk, and perhaps be fatal, to that same 16 lb. dog.

To some people, the numbers may imply that it's OK to give their dog a small amount of milk chocolate on occasion. The danger lies in the fact that the dog will certainly develop a “taste” for chocolate, and go after even the bitter types of chocolate that are dangerous in small amounts.

The following are signs of theobromine overdose:

hyperexcitability and restlessness
Gastro-intestinal distress (vomiting and diarrhea)
increased heart rate and cardiac arrhythmia
increased urination
muscle tremors
seizures, coma, death

There is no specific antidote for theobromine poisoning, although activated charcoal may be used to absorb the toxin from the stomach. Hydrogen peroxide can be used to induce vomiting, however this should not be attempted without instruction from a veterinarian. If a dog has eaten an undetermined amount of chocolate, contact a vet immediately. And warn people to think twice before ever offering their canine a taste. Even if he happens to be a Chocolate Lab.

Dogs should never eat chocolate! There is a chemical reaction that can happen that can cause seizures, illness, even death. Chocolate in any form can be toxic to many dogs, as can alot of "people" food. Only give him high quality dog food and dog treats, i.e. Flint River Ranch, Solid Gold, Royal Canin, Natural Balance etc... Maybe you should go and pick up a book on raising puppies? I recommend "8 weeks to a healthy dog", "How to speak dog", and "Cesar's way". Good luck, and please stop with the chocolate!

Answer 4

It is very easy for a dog to O/D on Chocolate, so best not to give it to them.

Some pet stores sell carob treats for dogs as an alternative to chocolate.

Also, don't ever give your dog beer... beer is not good for dogs. Just adding that in case you were going to ask that next.

Answer 5

Chocolate is poisonous to dogs. A little bit will not harm them, but I would not let one eat a chocolate bar as it will make it extremely sick.

too much chocolate will kill a dog.

Answer 6

Okay. I'm going to go find you some information. *YES*, it is bad for them.

Be right back...

Edit:
"Larger amounts of chocolate, particularly of the most toxic type, can bring about epileptic seizures in some dogs, and in all dogs, can kill." (From http://www.dogownersdigest.com/news/library/chocolate-dog-poisoning.shtml )

"The truth is chocolate contains theobromine that is toxic to dogs in sufficient quantities. This is a xanthine compound in the same family of caffeine, and theophylline." (From http://www.talktothevet.com/ARTICLES/DOGS/chocolatetoxic.HTM )

Please read those two pages, and if you would like more links, type this into your search bar Chocolate+Dogs . There is no lack of information on the subject...

Answer 7

Deathly. If you give your dog to much chocolate it can die. But, you CAN buy specalty chocolates for dogs that you can feed to them, without any harm being done.

Answer 8

it depends on the dog's weight and the amount of chocolate. our family dog ate 2 pounds of chocolate and hes 45 pounds, he did not die or anything he just vomited a lot for just one day. the amount of chocolate that can kill your dog isn't quite that much, however much chocolate your dog ate will determine what will happen to his lifespan. and it doesn't shorten its life, it can die that day or week, but if its just sick for a day its life wont shorten. I hope this helps.

Answer 9

The chemical theobromine will kill a dog ifthey get enough of it.
THere are many treats your dog would rather have than chocolate anyway.

Answer 10

Milk Chocolate is not so bad in moderation, but dark chocolate or baking chocolate can be deadly.