I've heard that chocolate is TOXIC to dogs. Is this true?

Question

And if so, why? After all, it's not toxic to humans.

Answer 1

It depends on how big ur dog is and how much chocolate it eats. A small portion of chocolate will not kill ur dog.

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.

Toxic Levels

The good news is that it takes, on average, a fairly large amount of theobromine 100-150 mg/kg to cause a toxic reaction. Although there are variables to consider like the individual sensitivity, animal size and chocolate concentration.

On average,
Milk chocolate contains 44 mg of theobromine per oz.
Semisweet chocolate contains 150mg/oz.
Baker's chocolate 390mg/oz.

Using a dose of 100 mg/kg as the toxic dose it comes out roughly as:
1 ounce per 1 pound of body weight for Milk chocolate
1 ounce per 3 pounds of body weight for Semisweet chocolate
1 ounce per 9 pounds of body weight for Baker's chocolate.

So, for example, 2 oz. of Baker's chocolate can cause great risk to an 15 lb. dog. Yet, 2 oz. of Milk chocolate usually will only cause digestive problems.

Clinical Signs

Xanthines affect the nervous system, cardiovascular system and peripheral nerves. It has a diuretic effect as well. Clinical signs:

Hyper excitability
Hyper irritability
Increased heart rate
Restlessness
Increased urination
Muscle tremors
Vomiting
Diarrhea

Treatment

There is no specific antidote for this poisoning. And the half life of the toxin is 17.5 hours in dogs. Induce vomiting in the first 1-2 hours if the quantity is unknown. Administering activated charcoal may inhibit absorption of the toxin. An anticonvulsant might be indicated if neurological signs are present and needs to be controlled. Oxygen therapy, intravenous medications, and fluids might be needed to protect the heart.

Milk chocolate will often cause diarrhea 12-24 hours after ingestion. This should be treated symptomatically (fluids, etc..) to prevent dehydration.

If you suspect your pet has ingested chocolate contact your Vet immediately! They can help you determine the the proper treatment for your pet.

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

Well the huge problem with giving chocolates to dogs, is that once they try it; they will get addicted and want more.

The craving will push the animal to look for it, and while having too much of it can be fatal, and give the dog a seizure

It is toxic and therefore lethal; for it contains theobromine, a stimulant found in the cocoa bean and affect the nervous system as well as their heart muscles.
Hope that answers the question

Answer 4

VERY TOXIC -
Chocolate toxicosis is the result of the active chemical ingredient theobromine. Theobromine is a methylxanthine compound much like caffeine. Methylxanthines cause changes in intracellular metabolism and increase levels of circulating neuromuscular stimulant hormones, such as epinephrine- often called adrenaline - and norepinephrine. Following ingestion and absorption of a toxic dose, a marked increase in irritability and muscular contractility results. Clinical signs can range from standard GI problems such as vomiting and diarrhea or nervous stimulation such as hyperactivity, restlessness, imbalance and tremors, to a more serious clinial state including heart arrhythmias, hyperthermia which is excessive fever to seizures, coma and death. The level of theobromine varies with different chocolate formulations. The toxicity symptons develop at a level of 100mg of theobromine ingested per kilogram of body weight. Milk chocolate has only 45 mg per ounce while unsweetened baking has 400 mg per ounce. This is no special antidote for the pet, but successful treatment requires hospitalization and aggressive therapy. Evacuation of any remaining ingested chocolate by induced vomiting and or stomach gavage (washings) is followed by taking products to bind and eliminate any further toxic material.The main thrust of pet care is supportive and depends on the severity of the toxicity. Rarely but possibly fatal, theobromine toxicity can occasionally require prolonged treatment. So, please keep those chocolates away from Bowser at all times!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 5

It is the theobromine in chocolate that is bad for dogs and there is more of it in dark chocolate than milk chocolate. If you give your dog a little taste of milk chocolate he or she will be okay, if you give your dog a bar of baker's chocolate, it could be fatal. Dogs metabolize theobromine more slowly than humans, however there are some studies that show a link from the theobromine to prostate cancer, so maybe it's worse for humans than we think. Also consider your pet, it's not natural for a dog to be too heavy, if the dog is limit all snacks and take him out to play fetch or some other activity. All of my dogs love chocolate, and I give them a taste from time to time, but they eat a very good dog food most days and seem happy enough without the treats.

Answer 6

Chocolate contains theobromine that is toxic to dogs in sufficient quantities. It is a xanthine compound in the same family of caffeine. The good news is that it takes, on average, a fairly large amount of theobromine, 100-150 mg per pound of your animal, to cause a toxic reaction. Although there are variables to consider like the individual sensitivity, animal size and chocolate concentration. Milk chocolate contains 60 mg per ounce of theobromine. The toxic dose is one ounce of milk chocolate per pound of body weight. For example one pound of milk chocolate is poisonous to the nervous system of a 20-pound dog; one-half pound in a 10-pound dog. Keep in mind that the average chocolate bar contains two to three ounces of milk chocolate. It would take two to three candy bars to produce toxicity in a 10-pound dog. Sins of chocolate toxicity include:
Excitement / nervousness / trembling
Vomiting / diarrhea
Excessive thirst / sometimes excessive urination.
Muscle spasms
Seizures
Coma (rare)
Death (rare) -- likely due to heart rhythm abnormaliti

Answer 7

YES. If a dog eats a bunch of chocolate it can be toxic. BUT I also believe that this is more like DARK CHOCOLATE. BUT either way don't let your dog eat it and there won't be any problems.

Answer 8

Human chocolate is dangerous to dogs, as its sugar content puts dogs at risk of diabetes if they have too much.

However, it does no harm for a dog to have a little bit once in a while, but specially formulated 'choc drops' with reduced/no sugar are a healthier treat which can be given more regularly.

Answer 9

The cooking chocolate is toxic because it has a chemical in it that will kill it. But they can eat candy bars and stuff like that.

Answer 10

Poisoning is common in dogs because of their habit of rapid consumption, particularly puppies and young dogs as they may be more likely to ingest large amounts of unusual foods. Since chocolate is often available and tasty, access to chocolate goodies is a problem.

In most cases, dogs are poisoned by eating the processed chocolate used in sweets, chocolate bars and baking, since these contain high concentrations of theobromine and caffeine and dogs find them tasty. Chocolate preparations contain different concentrations of active compound. The biggest threat is from cooking chocolate, followed by semi-sweet chocolate, milk chocolate, and hot chocolate.

Vomiting and diarrhea occur 2 to 4 hours after intake, and chocolate in the vomit may be obvious. Nervous system stimulation leads to hyperactivity, tremors, and seizures. The heart rate becomes increasingly rapid and irregular. Excessive urination may result from the diuretic (water clearing) action of the chocolate. Advanced signs include stiffness, excitement, seizures, and extreme response to noise, light, and touch. Heart failure, weakness, coma, and death can occur 12 to 36 hours after intake.

The expected course of chocolate toxicosis is 12 to 36 hours depending on the dosage and effectiveness of treatment. Prognosis is good if the chocolate is removed within 2 to 4 hours of ingestion. Prognosis is guarded in animals with advanced signs such as seizures and serious heart dysfunction.