I have heard chocolate is bad for dogs. Does anyone know why and if there is any research that backs it up?

Answer 1

There is tons of research to back up this claim, and it is a well known veterinary fact.

The reason choclate is toxic to dogs has to do with the caffeine and theobromines in it. These toxins cause increased heart rate, hyperactivity, and upset stomach. The increased heart rate is what really does the most damage. Also, in high enough concentration, these toxins can cause kidney and liver damage.

It is important to note that not all chocolate is created equal as far as toxicity goes. Milk chocolate is the least toxic, and unsweetened bakers chocolate is the most toxic. Also, how large (or small) the dog is and how much it ingests are also important factors in determining whether or not a particular patient will get very sick from the chocolate.

If your dog ingets chocolate, you can try to induce vomiting at home right away, and then call your vet right away. If you do not know how to induce vomiting at home, call your vet, and they can explain it over the phone. By the time you get to the vet, it may be too late to get the chocolate out by vomiting.

Hope this helps

Answer 2

Why chocolate poisons dogs and how to treat chocolate dog
poisoning


While the pathetic begging look that goes across the face of a
dog wanting chocolate can weaken the most stoic dog owner, stay firm.

Do not give in. Ever.

Once dogs have tasted chocolate, they want more.

And for dogs, that's a bad thing.


You might disagree, thinking back to a time when you noticed a
dog enjoying a tidbit of chocolate with no deleterious effect.

Don't be fooled.

The problem, according to veterinary experts, is that eating a
speck of chocolate leads a dog to crave more. It can mean that
your dog will jump at a opportunity to get any type of chocolate,
not knowing that certain chocolates are more lethal than other types.

Larger amounts of chocolate, particularly of the most
toxic type, can bring about epileptic seizures in some dogs, and
in all dogs, can kill.

Poisoning of dogs by chocolate is not as uncommon as you might
think.

"Chocolate ingestions are one common reason why pet owners and
veterinarians call us," said Dana Farbman, Certified Veterinary
Technician and Manager, Client and Professional Relations,
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

Answer 3

I checked into that question myself since I have three dogs and 6boys that like to share sometimes. Chocolate is a poison to animals, but it has to be a great quantiy before it would poison them so that made me feel better if the boys gave them a bite of their candy bar. The other thing you may want to think about is that it can act like a laxative to your dog, not something I'd want and also pets teeth is something to always be concern about and people food doesn't do them any favors. Ask your vet, they'll tell you, just call them on the phone.

Answer 4

Do some research on-line. Any vet also will tell you that chocolate is bad and can be lethal to dogs. I don't remember the exact componant in it that is bad but baking chocolate is the worst. Also, do not give dogs onions, grapes, or raisins because these can also kill your dog.

Answer 5

Yes its VERY bad 4 them. There is a chemical in it called theobromine. The darker the chocolate the higher the concentration of it. Theoretically baking choc. has the highest concentration of it. There have been years of research confirming this. I just cannot tell you where 2 find it on line. There've been many dog deaths attributed 2 choc. poisoning.

Answer 6

Chocolate is bad for dogs because the amount of caffeine inside it is bad for their systems. Chocolate chip cookie batter is the most deadly for dogs because of the amount of sugar contained.

Answer 7

it is dark chocolate and it becomes toxic to dogs in varying amounts, depends on the dog. it can lead to organ failure but remember it is dark chocolate, the kind with the highest content. unfortunately what they say is good for us is potentially lethal to dogs. I have had dogs that have torn into candy and such but luckily it was milk chocolate and small amounts.

Answer 8

it can cause seizures and heart attacks in dogs. there is a compound in chocolate that causes the heart to speed up and this could be quite dangerous. ask your vet for the most recent findings.

Answer 9

yes chocolate is poisioning to all animals inclucing dogs....

Here are three sites you can read and there are lots others...i just typed in the search bar "chocolate and dogs" and came up with a list...

Answer 10

I had a puppy eat chocolate and die my vet said it is because dogs cannot digest it and it stops them from using the bathroom and they get septic and die septic mean poisons the body.