Is Chocolate really bad for dogs? If it is, why?

Answer 1

It has a substance called theobromine in it, which causes increased urination and also causes problems with the central nervous system. Dogs can eat only 1oz per pound of body weight of milk chocolate and be ok...while bakers chocolate they can only eat 1oz per 10lbs of body weight...If your dog does eat chocolate he can become overexcited, hyperactivity, vomitting and diarrhea...In severe cases it can cause hypothermia, muscle tremors, seizures, and sometimes death. White chocolate is the least worrysome of all of the chocolates while baker's chocolate is the worst.

Answer 2

no,dogs cant eat chocolate because Theobromine--a primary ingredient in chocolate---is toxic to dogs.it can cause liver failure and even death if dogs eat enough of it.Commercially made chocolate candy, which is loaded with more sugar and milk than chocolate, probably won't make a dog sick unless the dog is quite small.but chocolate can have some nasty side effects.it can cause seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, and hyperactivity.according to the national poison control center, milk chocolate has 44-60 milligrams of chocolate per ounce.unsweetened baking chocolate has 450 milligrams per ounce.as little as one ounce of baking chocolate can lethal to a small dog.but no matter what size your dog is,eating chocolate [and,yes most dogs do have a sweet tooth] , bad idea. DID U NO THAT?

Answer 3

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

There is a substance found in real chocolate called theobromine. Theobromine is toxic to dogs and fatal if ingested in large amounts. The reason dogs do not get sick if they eat a Hersheys bar is because it does not contain theobromine. Only pure chocolate or a chocolate bar made with pure chocolate and not just artificial flavors contains this substance.

Answer 5

YES. Chocolate destroys digestive enzyemes necessary for your dogs good health. Don't do it. Not even in small amounts.

While some dogs may have eaten chocolate with no obvious negative results, it is bad for them so why risk it.

Answer 6

It depends on the dogs health, weight and how much chocolate you give it. chocolate will make the dogs heart beat faster, it is the caffeine. a small dog can have like a Hershey kiss and so on. but not too much. dogs really can die from chocolate.

My dog is ten and about fifth teen pounds. i give her parts of my chocolate bar because i feel comfortable with giving her the amount of chocolate i give her.

if your not sure about giving a dog choclate than don't.

Answer 7

chocolate is poison in a dogs world

Answer 8

It is poisonous and accumulates in their system. You can be feeding ur dog choccies for ages and them all of a sudden .. oops one square too many.
BTW ... white chocolate isnt chocolate at all

Answer 9

Chocolate for dogs can be deadly.

Answer 10

the last thing i want is for my dog to vomit chocolate thats the consistency of a milkshake all over my carpet or bedding before he dies