I understand that cats and dogs can't eat chocolate for a reason. Is there a particular chemical in chocolate that they can't digest or something like that?
2007-02-09 13:50:36 · 8 answers · asked by chrstnwrtr 7 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Dogs, cats, and other animals metabolize the theobromine found in the chocolate more slowly. The heart, central nervous system, and kidneys are affected. Also, the caffeine speeds up their hearts to a dangerous rate. In small doses, the theobromine isn't fatal, but in larger doses it can even cause cardiac arrhythmias and seizures. If an animal ingests it, veterinarians usually invoke them to vomit it back up and clear out their systems with charcoal, which will absorb the rest of the toxins.
Different types of chocolate contain different amounts of theobromine. In general, theobromine levels are higher in dark chocolates (approximately 10 g/kg) than in milk chocolates (1-5 g/kg). Higher quality chocolate tends to contain more theobromine than lower quality chocolate. Cocoa beans naturally contain approximately 300-1200 mg/ounce theobromine.
2007-02-09 14:09:14 · answer #1 · answered by kat92foryou 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"Deadly" is perhaps a bit of an overstatement, at least in re: dogs. It's toxic to them, and can kill, but it doesn't always. My dog's vet explained the chemistry to me some years ago but I can't recall the details. Something about choc packing stimulants that are extra-effective on dogs. I know it has caffeine in it, so that could be one. It's enough for me to know I should NEVER, EVER give a dog chocolate.
About kitties I have no idea. Probably best to play it safe with them, too, unless the vet definitely says it's OK.
2007-02-09 14:16:25 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Theobromine cannot be digested. It basically poisons the dog. I can tell you though that the amount of chocolate has to be pretty significant. A small piece will not kill him but may give him an upset stomach. Check out http://www.talktothevet.com/ARTICLES/DOGS/chocolatetoxic.HTM if you want to know more about it.
2007-02-09 14:00:03 · answer #3 · answered by shedevilnotunknown 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I use to have a dog that would unwrap hershey kisses and eat them and he never died. He really loved easter when he could jump up on the table and knock over the baskets to get his favorite kisses. Also we had a cat that loved chocolate ice cream. Both my dog and cat were fine, never got sick, and are still living- my dog being 17 and my cat is 12.
It really depends on the animal and his allergies.
2007-02-09 15:40:52 · answer #4 · answered by silvaspurranch 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well its actually just an allergy they have to chocolate but not all dogs have that allergy and for cats its onions not chocolate but again not all of them are allergic to it either and any one that tells you they are all allergic to chocolate and onions is lying to you its just kind of a rule cause so main of them are but promise you i have seen dogs eat whole bags of the plain chocolate m&m's and been just fine and that happen years ago and the dog is still around and healthy
2007-02-09 14:04:53 · answer #5 · answered by shoguncarsguns 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
the Cocoa, dogs can have white chocolate
2007-02-09 13:54:33 · answer #6 · answered by Kise 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
chocolate isnt deadly to cats...only dogs...
2007-02-09 15:16:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, theobromine and caffiene
2007-02-09 13:54:59 · answer #8 · answered by cs 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋