Is chocolate poiseness for Dogs?

Question

I cant help but give my dog a bit of choc now and agian when im eating it, plus she loves white chocolate. But she seems fine and has had quite alot since ive had her, only in moderation though.

Answer 1

It's not poisonous, but it IS NOT good for them. Even in moderation. It can give them digestive problems. See link for more info: http://www.talktothevet.com/ARTICLES/DOGS/chocolatetoxic.HTM

Answer 2

Chocolate can indeed be toxic to dogs. In fact, it is one of the 20 most reported poisonings. The ingredient in chocolate that causes the toxicity is theobromine. The minimum toxic level of theobromine is 100-200mg/kg with 250-500mg/kg being the level at which half of the dogs would die as a result of consuming chocolate. So what does that mean as far as how much chocolate is toxic? The level of theobromine varies depending on the type of chocolate. The levels of theobromine are listed below:

Milk chocolate
60 mg/oz

Baking chocolate
450 mg/oz

Semi-sweet chocolate
260 mg/oz

Hot chocolate
12 mg/oz

White chocolate
1 mg/oz




Given these levels, 4 oz of milk chocolate contains about 240mg of theobromine. Considering that the average chocolate bar contains 2-3 oz of milk chocolate, it would take 2-3 candy bars to produce toxicity in a 10 lb dog. However, a single ounce of baking chocolate could produce severe toxicity in the same size dog.

So, how does chocolate make dogs sick? Theobromine causes the release of certain substances, norepinephrine and epinephrine, that cause an increase in the dog’s heart rate and can cause arrhythmias. Other signs seen with chocolate toxicity can include increased urination, vomiting, diarrhea or hyperactivity within the first few hours. This can lead to hyperthermia, muscle tremors, seizures, coma and even death.

What should be done if a dog does ingest a toxic amount of chocolate? If it has been less than 2 hours, the dog should be made to vomit. Unfortunately, chocolate tends to form a ball in the stomach and may be difficult to remove. Supportive care should be provided for any other signs the dog is exhibiting.

Though it may not be harmful to the dog in small quantities, it is safer to avoid giving chocolate to dogs in general. As with everything else, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Answer 3

Yes, in fairly large quanities. Also, the darker the chocolate the smaller amount necessary to hurt the dog. Baking chocolate is especially deadly. Keep in mind that a small piece, in relation to the size of the dog, every few days will probably not cause any serious problem. However, even one taste of chocolate can make a dog want more and more. So if you 'must' give your dog chocolate, keep it very small and very light as well as not too often.
Better yet, practice 'tough love' and don't give them any at all.

BTY, raisins, artificial sweetner, onions and many other common household item, including some plants, are also poisinous to dogs.
Please keep these things where the dog, some of whom are very atheletic, can't get to them.

Answer 4

Chocolate contains a chemical that dogs digestive systems cannot cope with. It can be very harmful to dogs and in rare cases, dogs have died from eating it.

If you feel that your dog enjoys it as a treat,I would suggest buying dog choc drops. You can get them from most pet stores. They will enjoy it just as much but it is completely safe for them.

I am sure you love your pooch, so don't risk it!

Answer 5

YES it is quite toxic for dogs, in small doses might have little to no effect more than diarrhea but definitely by giving it to her you certainly take the risk. If you truly love her restrain yourself from giving. I am not certain regarding whether dark or white makes any difference. Why take chances if 1 day may be her last.

Hope that some of the links will help you to understand why.

Answer 6

Chocolate isn't technically good for dogs, it could kill them. But since its in moderation, just a little bit every now and then shouldn't hurt her. But don't feed her chocolate a lot at a time.

Answer 7

Chocolate isn't poisonous to dogs but it does contain lactose, which dogs and cats have trouble digesting. You can get special dog chocolates which have the lactose removed so that they're ok to give.
It's not too bad to give your pet the occasional choccie treat but be careful of doing it too much, apart from the lactose, chocolate is fattening and dogs can get overweight or obese just as easily as people can !!!. Overweight dogs can develop respiratory and joint problems and it is not good for them to carry excess weight.

Answer 8

Yes if she is given quite a lot it may lead to death however my Labrador once ate one of those huge choc bars you get around xmas time (teach me to leave it in my pocket when im cooking!) and was fine but i would not suggest giving her much of it, after all you would never forgive yourself if anything did happen to her. why not give her a bone or chew instead that way it will help her teeth too!

Answer 9

I always gave my dog a little chocolate from time to time and she was fine! I think its the same as us: everything in moderation!

Answer 10

Chocolate is poison to dogs. Good thing I'm no dog, I love chocolate more than anyone else I know.

Answer 11

ok i had a yorkie for 20 years. His favorite candy was m&m's. I've heard many people say that you shouldn't give your dog chocolate, but i believe it is the evil dark chocolate that will really harm your dog. I've never, ever even considered giving my dogs dark chocolate, since i believe that will harm them. BAKERS chocolate will kill a dog. I wouldn't dream of giving a dog that!

Milk chocolate m&m's? like i said. A dog of mine lived 20 years, and loved m&m's. He ate lots of them! so i wouldn't worry. Just in moderation, though!