They say chocolates are bad for dogs? Is it really? Why?

Answer 1

The theobromine in chocolate is metabolized by dogs much differently than by humans..It affects the heart rate, and can cause damage to several organs.. A few M&Ms killed my precious pug..

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 diarrhea 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. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include: vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, hyperactivity, irregular heartbeat and seizures.

Larger quantities of chocolate can poison or even kill a medium or large dog. An ounce or two of chocolate may not seem like much but it can be lethal to a small dog that weighs 10 lbs. or less. After their dog 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. These forms of chocolate contain ten times more theobromine than milk chocolate. Even licking a substantial part of the chocolate icing from a cake can make a dog sick. The next most dangerous forms are semi-sweet chocolate and dark chocolate, with milk chocolate being the least dangerous. A dog needs to eat more than a 250gm block of milk chocolate, however the high amount of fat found in milk chocolate can lead to an attack of pancreatitis.

* 1 ounce per pound of body weight (2 ounces per kg of body weight) for milk chocolate.
* 1 ounce per 3 pounds of body weight ( 1 ounce per 1.5 kg body weight) for semi-sweet chocolate
* 1 ounce per 9 pounds of body weight ( 1 ounce per 4 kg) for baker's chocolate.

During many holidays such as Christmas, New Year's Day, Easter and Halloween, chocolate is often accessible to curious dogs, and in some cases, people unwittingly poison their dogs by offering them chocolate as a treat or letting them lick a frosting bowl.

Answer 3

Because chocolate contains a chemical that is toxic to dogs. Although all chocolate is and can be harmful, dark baker's chocolate is especially bad.

Answer 4

Because their digestive system is slower than humans and chocolate IS toxic. If our digestive system was as slow as a dogs, it would kill us too. Different types of chocolate are more toxic than others. Milk chocolate being at the bottom of the list and Cocoa being at the top. It simply doesn't leave their system fast enough.

Answer 5

I don't know why. But I've never had a problem feeding my dogs chocolate. It might harm some breeds. Still I had a dog that live to be18 and was still jumping around and wanted to follow me when I went riding on my horse until she got sick . All of her life I fed her candy, chocolate, icecream and just anything I may be eating. I would also give her a lolipop to have all to herself. So don't beleive everything you hear. A little chocolate can't hurt.

Answer 6

Yeh chocolate is the worst thing to give to a dog because of its caffeine content and the dogs body is unable to break it which makes them similiar to what we refer to as being "drunk."

Answer 7

Because chocolate is toxic to dogs, it would kill them.

Answer 8

yes

http://vetmedicine.about.com/cs/nutritiondogs/a/chocolatetoxici.htm

Answer 9

THEY ARE SOOO WRONG!! WOOOF! WOOOF!