So why cant a dog eat chocolate.?

Question

ive heard theories and that it kills dogs but anyone know why. or if its true?

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

The dangers of chocolate are widely known, but the composition of chocolate is less well known.

Cocoa beans are full of fat, which is mildly flavoured (think white chocolate). The chocolate flavour comes from the non-fat part of the cocoa bean and that's where the theobromine, the "bad" stuff is. In a given volume of chocolate the more fat there is, the less of the non-fat part there is.

Milk chocolate is so-called because it contains a high percentage of milk fat (yes, butter by another name). It contains varying amounts of the non-fat part of the cocoa bean--just enough for flavour but not enough for the characteristic bitter or "dark" flavour. Semi-sweet and dark chocolate has more of the non-fat part of the cocoa bean, which gives it a more intense and "darker" flavour. Baker's chocolate has still more of the non-fat part of the cocoa bean in it--which is why it is often used in recipes by melting it and adding butter. Baker's chocolate is a compact way to store the flavour of the chocolate, in other words.

Chocolate ice cream doesn't usually have a whole lot of actual chocolate in it--even less (in terms of volume) than a Hershey's plain chocolate bar. By law, ice cream must contain a certain percentage of butterfat in it--which reduces the amount of volume available for the non-fat part of chocolate.

The "problem" ingredient is theobromine. I hesitate to call it a problem because for humans, it's suspected to be the ingredient that makes us feel so nice after eating chocolate (that "chocolate bliss" feeling). For dogs, however, it is a problem because it's metabolized so slowly. Indications of an overdose are: increased nervousness or excitement, trembling, panting unconnected to high activity or heat, heart racing, seizures, coma. Some dogs (usually older ones) can have a heart attack triggered by the rapid heartbeat which forces their hearts to work harder.

The trickiest thing about the theobromine in chocolate is that dogs metabolize it very slowly--it takes about six days for it to leave the dog's body. So if you hand your dog a little chocolate on Monday, and then the dog (unbeknownst to you) gets some more chocolate from one of the kids on Tuesday, an unauthorized foray into the chocolate on Wednesday can cause problems.

Answer 3

It's the cocoa that they make chocolate out of. BUT I did recently hear that it's not as toxic as it's made out to be. It's just said so that the 'fear' of them eating it, you'll make sure they don't get any.
The higher the cocoa in it, the greater the harm it will do. Milk chocolate wont kill him. Might give him the 'runs', but it's not fatal.
What is dangerous is baking chocolate! Or 'special dark'.
Rule of thumb, keep chocolate away from your dog. If he eats it, check with your vet.

Answer 4

The theobromine is chocolate is toxic. They can have a small amount of milk chocolate, but I really do not recommend it. Milk chocolate has the lowest levels of theobromine, then dark chocolate is the next higher, then semi-sweet, and the worst is Bakers Chocolate. It takes about 1 oz. of milk chocolate per pound that the dog weighs to kill it, 1 oz. per 5 pounds for semi-sweet, and 1 oz. per 10 pounds for Bakers chocolate.

Answer 5

Chocolate contains theobromine which is toxic to dogs. To the person whose daughter gives some to her dogs she is taking a big chance. Chocolate can kill dogs.

Answer 6

Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant. It increase the dog’s heart rate and may cause the heart to beat irregularly. Death is quite possible, especially with exercise.

Answer 7

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.

Answer 8

It's not true but it can get the dog very ill. Because dogs can digest it so they get constipated and end up getting ill. So they don't die but they do get sick and I don't think the dog would like it that much either if they were constipated.

Answer 9

It turns toxic when processed through the dog's system. Yes, it can kill.

Answer 10

it's the chemicals in it, but my mom has been giving her dogs chocolate for years. All of their pets lived long healthy lives.