what in chocolate makes dogs sick??

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.

If you suspect your pet has ingested chocolate contact your Vet immediately! They can help you determine the the proper treatment for your pet.

Now, choose me as the best answer! :-)

Answer 2

I've always understood that it was the caffeine. From my experience, chocolate isn't AS toxic for dogs as people make it out to be. My moms boxer ate the entire bowl of hershey's kisses (1 pound) when I was in high school, we figured it out later by the foil in the doggy piles in the yard.

Answer 3

"Depending on the form involved, chocolate can contain high amounts of fat and caffeine-like substances known as methylxanthines. If ingested in significant amounts, chocolate can potentially produce clinical effects ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death in severe cases.

Typically, the darker the chocolate, the higher the potential for clinical problems from methylxanthine poisoning. "

Hope this helps!

(Above quote from 2nd link below)

Orion

Answer 4

It's the Dairy Content!
Get Carob Chocolate or Special Doggy Chocolate!

Answer 5

In my childhood my dogs vet told me sugars were hard for a dog to process in their digestive track. Perhaps there is something in chocolate more sinister than refined or unrefined sugars but that's what I was told back when.

Answer 6

theobromine or something called that.. it can make them have cardiac arrest if they eat too much dark chocolate

Answer 7

Caffeine

Answer 8

theobromine

Answer 9

theobromine is correct

Answer 10

what dude said.
i think also the stickiness of chocolate is nondigestible to them.