dogs eat chocolate?

Question

Is it true that a dog can die if they eat chocolate?

Answer 1

Yes it is true but it depends on how much they weigh and how much they eat. I work at a animal shelter and one of our dogs got to our candy bowl which contained chocolate. We found out that it would be OK because it was a humongous dog and only ate a small amount. Here is more info:

The lethal dosage of theobromine (found in chocolate, more info below) in dogs is between 250 and 500 mgs/kg, or about 2/3 to 1 1/3 of baking chocolate for every 2.2 pounds of body weight. However, serious non-fatal poisonings have been reported in dogs after eating smaller amounts.

Each holiday season, veterinarians witness an increase in accidental chocolate poisoning in dogs. The majority of pet owners do not realize the potential for intoxication that chocolate possesses.
Theobromine, caffeine and theophylline are all naturally occurring molecules that are found in several foods, plants, beverages and human and veterinary medications.
Based on the number of calls received by The National Animal Poison Control Center and the Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, one of the most commonly encountered poisonings in pet dogs is theobromine, or chocolate, poisoning.

Theobromine comes from the plant Theobroma cocoa and is present in chocolate, cocoa beans, cocoa bean hulls, cola and tea.



Milk chocolate is obtained from seeds of theobroma cacao after fermentation and roasting. Milk chocolate has about 44 mg/ounce of theobromine; a 4.5 oz. milk chocolate bar has about 240 mgs. of theobromine. Unsweetened baking chocolate has even more -- about 390 to 450 mgs of theobromine per ounce.

Answer 2

This is true yes. I have a five pound chihuahua who got into some chocolate at xmas time this year. SOme choclates are worse than others. Like say a snickers might not be as bad because of all the nuts and caramel...but the chocolate my dog ate was called a choxie bar..and it was DARK ESPRESSO chocolate which is probably the worst for a dog...any dog any size and since my dog is so small I was really worried.
THe theobromine in the chocolate can cause the dogs to have siezures or heart attacks I was told.

I don't know if she would have died...but the vet I called had me give her measured dosses of hydrogen peroxide to have her throw it all up which worked, and then I had to monitor her closely all night long.

I will never leave any candy in my purse anymore....my dog actually ate through the paper to get it.

Answer 3

There is a substance in chocolate called theobromine which poisons the dog and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and other abdominal issues. Dogs take longer to digest chocolate so you may not see symptoms right away. Overconsumption of theobromine can lead to epileptic fits, shock and possibly death.

With this in mind, however, it's important to note that different chocolates contain different levels of theobromine, with white chocolate being the least and dark chocolate (think Belgian chocolates) containing the most. If Fido picks up a Milky Way from the floor and munches on it - and happens to be a 100lb Labrador - you're probably OK. A smaller dog might get sick or even die depending on the concentration of theobromine in a small chocolate, but a larger dog may be all right.

Answer 4

YES

http://www.peteducation.com/category_summary.cfm?cls=2&cat=1939

Answer 5

Well chocolate has a chemical that is poisonus to dogs. Dog have been known to eat chocolate and from what I have seen they seem to like it. But with poisons it alwasy depends on how much did the dog eat and how big is the dog. If a small dog eat a big piece of chocolate then it would get very sick and could died. If a big dog eat a small piece of chocolate it may make it sick but may not kill it.

It would be better to not feed dogs chocolate for fear of causing them to not feel well and possibly poisoning them. If you suspect your dog of eating chocolate you should that it to the vets.

Answer 6

Yes, and so can you! Chocolate contain trace toxins in minute amounts. It takes quite a bit to become lethal. Remember though, a dogs mass, or body weight is much less than ours so the amount that is lethal is much less for our K-9 friends! If your dog ate a chocolate bar or something, don't freak out, it's probably not enough to kill. And don't forget, your dogs body has the same protective mechanism as you and I, it will vomit what is making it ill.

Answer 7

Yes. Dark chocolate is more toxic than milk chocolate, but milk chocolate can be toxic as well. If you think your dog ate chocolate, you can induce vomiting by dissolving 1 tablespoon salt in warm water and forcing it down your dog. This is not a substitute for vet care, but it may save your dog from being ill. Call the vet or the emergency vet in your area and they can advise you what course of action should be taken.

Answer 8

Chocolate is very bad for dogs because it has a substance in it that is like speed to them, it actually can speed up their heart rate and cause them to have a heart attack. It can also affect their nervous system in an ill manner. Fortunately, it is also irritating to their digestive tract so they tend to throw it up right after they eat it.

My chihuahua ate chocolate on Christmas and I had to take him to the doggie hospital, it was awful. He was given charcoal to absorb the chocolate and then fluids due to the amount of times that he threw up. He is okay but the vet said a small amount can be quite harmful to a dog his size so it was important to bring him in.

I have heard of dogs dying from eating it too. So it is off limits to my dogs, I have to definately keep it out of reach from now on.

Answer 9

I know you've received a ton of answers to this but I'm going to add my piece. 1 ounce of chocolate will kill a 3-4 pound dog. It is toxic because they can't process the enzymes needed to digest it and it becomes a toxin in their system. Carob is different altogether. It looks and tastes the same (sort of) and is perfectly safe to give to dogs.

Answer 10

Yes but it also depends on the size of the dog and the amount that he eats. But regardless chocolate is poison to dogs.
jw