why does choclate kill dogs?

Answer 1

A few M&M's caused my pug to have seizures, and the seizures caused heart failure. the theobromine and caffeine in chocolate is toxic, as it metabolizes in dogs differently than in humans.

Answer 2

Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic.

When affected by an overdose of chocolate, a dog can become excited and hyperactive. Due to the diuretic effect, it may pass large volumes of urine and it will be unusually thirsty. Vomiting and diarrhoea are also common. The effect of theobromine on the heart is the most dangerous effect. Theobromine will either increase the dog’s heart rate or may cause the heart to beat irregularly. Death is quite possible, especially with exercise.

After their pet has eaten a large quantity of chocolate, many pet owners assume their pet is unaffected. However, the signs of sickness may not be seen for several hours, with death following within twenty-four hours.

Cocoa powder and cooking chocolate are the most toxic forms. A 10-kilogram dog can be seriously affected if it eats a quarter of a 250gm packet of cocoa powder or half of a 250gm block of cooking chocolate. These forms of chocolate contain ten times more theobromine than milk chocolate. Thus, a chocolate mud cake could be a real health risk for a small dog. Even licking a substantial part of the chocolate icing from a cake can make a dog unwell.

Semi-sweet chocolate and dark chocolate are the next most dangerous forms, with milk chocolate being the least dangerous. A dog needs to eat more than a 250gm block of milk chocolate to be affected. Obviously, the smaller the dog, the less it needs to eat.

http://www.petalia.com.au/templates/storytemplate_process.cfm?story_no=257#ct-3

Answer 3

A TINY piece can kill,and the age of the dog don't mean SQUAT.Theobromine is present in differing amounts,in different types of chocolate.As little as one ounce of bakers chocolate can kill a 9 pound dog.See the site below for an explanation of how much of each type of chocolate is considered toxic,according to the weight of the dog in question.

Source(s):
http://zoocentric.com/articles/dogchocol...
We've all heard it, "Don't give your dog chocolate it will kill him". We'll how true is it you're probably wondering. Do I have to rush him to an emergency vet if he ate one of my M&M's?

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 4

(Copied and pasted from ASPCA - Animal Poison Control Center)

Chocolate
Did you know…chocolate can be harmful or even deadly to pets?

Depending on the form involved, chocolate can contain high amounts of fat and caffeine-like substances known as methylxanthines. If ingested in significant amounts, chocolate can potentially produce clinical effects ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death in severe cases.

Typically, the darker the chocolate, the higher the potential for clinical problems from methylxanthine poisoning. White chocolate has the lowest methylxanthine content, while baking chocolate contains the highest. As little as 20 ounces of milk chocolate, or only two ounces of baking chocolate can cause serious problems in a 10-pound dog. While white chocolate may not have the same potential as darker forms to cause a methylxanthine poisoning, the high fat content of lighter chocolates could still lead to vomiting and diarrhea, as well as the possible development of life-threatening pancreatitis, an inflammatory condition of the pancreas.

Hope it helps!

Answer 5

It contains an enzime that dogs cant handle, and it will kill small dogs, larger dogs it makes "crazy" for a few days. If you have to give a dog a treat, use carob, it tastes ans smells like chocolate, and dog bakeries make cookies that look just like people food.

Answer 6

Because it contains Theo bromine. The Theo bromine [from the chocolate] will circulate in the blood and may destroy the gastrointestinal tract.

The moment the dog is given chocolate by mistake, we need to induce the animal to vomit.

Consult your vet immediately...

Answer 7

Chocolate has something in it that causes LIVER DAMAGE, as much as an ounce can hurt a small dog. DO NOT GIVE YOUR DOG CHOCOLATE!!!!!

Answer 8

it has some kind of caffeen stuff in it that gets the dogs blood moving too fast and they king of have a heart attach

Answer 9

they can't digest it and can kill them, but they have chocolate flavor treats at pet smart.

Answer 10

chocolate has lots of cholesterol. then it causes heart failure and causes them to have seizures then maybe die.