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2006-11-15 12:18:08 · 33 answers · asked by Double O 6 in Pets Dogs

33 answers

Dogs are usually ok, if they are not tiny dogs, and have not eaten a lot of chocolate. However, it is dangerous in any amount, as a few M&Ms killed my precious pug.

2006-11-15 13:18:34 · answer #1 · answered by Chetco 7 · 0 0

Not always but the thing with chocolate is that some dogs are very allergic to it and can get very sick and possibly die. So, then the question is are you willing to take the chance with your dog? I had a dog before I heard anything about chocolate and my husband gave her Reeses peanut butter cups. I swear she could hear him unwrap one from 50yds. She never got sick or anything. In hindsight I never would have let her have it but, I was ignorant of the problem with chocolate. We joke about it all the time. She was old, found her on the street fed her for weeks hoping her owners would come and get her but, she was the greatest. her master could have passed away because she was old and it is a small place.But, we gave her a great life even though she had chocolate.

2006-11-15 12:25:44 · answer #2 · answered by MISS-MARY 6 · 0 0

Yes and No...

It turns out that, for dogs, a chemical in chocolate called theobromine is the source of the problem. Theobromine is similar to caffeine. According to this page, theobromine is toxic to a dog when it ingests between 100 and 150 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.

Different types of chocolate contain different amounts of theobromine: It would take 20 ounces of milk chocolate to kill a 20-pound dog, but only 2 ounces of baker's chocolate or 6 ounces of semisweet chocolate. It is not that hard for a dog to get into something like an Easter basket full of chocolate eggs and bunnies and gobble up a pound or two of chocolate. If the dog is small, that could be deadly.

It turns out that chocolate poisoning is actually not as unusual as it sounds. For a human being, caffeine is toxic at levels of 150 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. That's the same as for dogs! Humans generally weigh a lot more than dogs, but small children can get into trouble with caffeine or chocolate if they consume too much of it. Infants are especially vulnerable because they don't eliminate caffeine from the bloodstream nearly as quickly as adults.

2006-11-15 12:21:12 · answer #3 · answered by Miss Nightmare 3 · 0 0

working in the vet field for 6 years, this question is really common. It depends what kind of chocolate and how much. I believe it's a 1 1/3 of baking chocolate for every 2.2 pounds of body weight. Lethal doses can be had, it's best to induce vomiting using hydrogen peroxide. Chocolate contains a lethal chemical which can put the dog in cardiac arrest if not handled appropriately.

2006-11-15 12:31:30 · answer #4 · answered by cindylouwho152 1 · 0 0

A dog will definitely NOT DIE if it eats some chocolate (of course, I'm talking about the sweet cocoa, if that's what you mean). My cat sometimes eats yogurt, french fries, and ice cream (she's very greedy for that good stuff) and nothing's ever happened to her. Animals won't die if they eat sweets - but don't feed it chocolate on a daily basis.

2006-11-15 12:21:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

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.

2006-11-15 12:19:47 · answer #6 · answered by sagadraco 2 · 2 0

It depends on the size of the dog and how much chocolate it ingests. Chocolate builds up in the dogs body over time (if they've eaten little bits of it) and it'll eventually poision them. Chocolate is poison to a dog, so dont' let them get into it, if they do, take them to a vet immediately

2006-11-15 12:21:05 · answer #7 · answered by sugar_twilight 2 · 0 0

I have heard that they can become very sick and possibly even die.

The problem, according to veterinary experts, is that eating a speck of chocolate leads a dog to crave more. It can mean that your dog will jump at a opportunity to get any type of chocolate, not knowing that certain chocolates are more lethal than other types. Larger amounts of chocolate, particularly of the most toxic type, can bring about epileptic seizures in some dogs, and in all dogs, can kill.

2006-11-15 12:19:45 · answer #8 · answered by Kokopelli 7 · 1 0

it depends on how much chocolate the dog has eaten and how large the dog is. for a very small dog, the size of a hershey's kiss could make it very sick. the symptoms of chocolate poisoning is similar to the parvo virus...vomiting and extreme bloody diarrhea. if you notice these symptoms, get your dog to the vet asap. most chocolate poisonings occur around the holidays. hope this was helpful.

2006-11-15 12:28:37 · answer #9 · answered by pirate00girl 6 · 0 0

Some dogs are allergic to chocolate, some are not. If your dog is acting strange I would call a vet. My dog has eaten chocolate many times, not with my permission...but still has eaten it with no ill effects. He is a big dog, a lab.

2006-11-15 12:26:59 · answer #10 · answered by eva diane 4 · 0 0

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