2007-03-05 11:21:26 · 54 answers · asked by gerald l 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
This was just in Dr Jons newsletter today
Toxic Foods
******************************************
Chocolate, in addition to having a high fat content, contains caffeine and theobromine.
These two compounds are nervous system stimulants and can be toxic to your dog in high amounts. The levels of caffeine and theobromine vary between different types of chocolate.
For example, white chocolate has the lowest concentration of stimulants and baking chocolate or cacao beans have the highest concentration.
Depending on the type of chocolate ingested and the amount eaten, various problems can occur. The high fat content in chocolate may result in vomiting and possibly diarrhea.
Once toxic levels are eaten, the stimulant effect becomes apparent. You may notice restlessness, hyperactivity, muscle twitching, increased urination and possibly excessive panting. Heart rate and blood pressure levels may also increase. Seizure activity may occur in severe cases.
2007-03-13 03:44:40 · answer #1 · answered by H.O.T. Dog 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Chocolate can kill a dog depending on the richness of the chocolate and the amount eaten (in proportion to the weight of the dog). Chocolate, like caffeine, increases the dogs heart rate. (I think, but I'm not positive, that chocolate accumulates in a dog, so even if the dog has a little bit of chocolate one day and is fine, after having the same amount at many other times, the dog can die from too much.)
2007-03-05 11:25:44 · answer #2 · answered by watercurves 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My daughter had a 7-lbs. toy fox terrier that jumped up on a desk and got into a drawer that had a dark chocolate sucker wrapped in cellophane and she chewed it open and ate the chocolate. She died within minutes. The vet told us it causes seizures in their brain and they stop breathing. It was awful and very traumatic for us. I was also told that dark chocolate is worse and the fact that she was so small. I have heard that bigger dogs have a better chance of survival but I know that I will never have chocolate in my house with a dog.
2007-03-12 14:41:28 · answer #3 · answered by luh 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely. Oftentimes a small amount won't hurt but you won't know until after the fact. When my daughter was young she left a 1 lb chocolate easter bunny where my dogs could reach it - I had 2 miniature schnauzers at the time. When I realized what happened, I rushed them both to our vet's office and upon examination he reported that my poor male had a heartbeat twice that of my female. Apparently he didn't share the bunny with her. The poor little guy, he was given a really strong laxative to get the chocolate out of his system asap - I was extremely fortunate that I did not lose him. Don't take the chance!
2007-03-11 07:43:15 · answer #4 · answered by Jen F 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
OK...so heres the scoop! Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine (basicly coffeine) Yes chocolate is toxic to dogs. In high doses it can cuase siezurs. The most toxic is bakers chocolate becuase it is a more concentrated form. I believe its then the semi-sweet chocoolate and then milk chocolate. Althou milk chocolate is the least toxic to dogs, and may not show any signs, over time is can cause major damage. Like the vet tech stated above...it can cause pancreitis! hope this helps
2007-03-05 11:38:35 · answer #5 · answered by vet/tech/turned/nurse 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think if a dog eats a little it won't hurt...I never feed my dog anything but dog food and dog treats and keep all candy out of his reach. I believe there's something in chocolate that is toxic to dogs in large doses. This is just what I've heard, though.
2007-03-13 03:41:11 · answer #6 · answered by D J 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs can have chocolate in moderation. The ingredients in chocolate that make it so bad for them is the caffiene and cocoa. The reason the cocoa is bad for them is that most countries in Africa where it is harvested still use leaded gasoline and so it gets into the beans. By far the worst chocolate for a dog is the dark chocolate seeing how it has the highest ratio of cocoa per ounce. The best is white chocolate seeing how it has very minimal traces of cocoa (in fact it is primarily sugar). Milk chocolate is in the middle.
On average you should not allow your dog to eat more than a few ounces a month of any type of chocolate. If your dog really likes the taste of chocolate try switching to carob. It is a lot healthier for your dog, and yourself. Your dog will never know the difference.
2007-03-05 11:30:15 · answer #7 · answered by clytisciasha 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
It is very lethal to dogs. Depending on the weight of the dog, that determines the actual amount a dog would have to ingest for it to become sick or die. NEVER GIVE A DOG CHOCOLATE!
2007-03-13 06:19:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it depends on the dog. I have a mix breed female that is 15lbs and she ate one of those 1/2 pound Hershey bars. It was left on my bed in a bag wrapped up. she unwrapped it and ate the whole thing. She was never sick, no diarrhea, nothing. I was scared though because I heard all that and read it about chocolate being deadly. But she was fine. I won't be feeding her any though.:)
2007-03-12 16:43:47 · answer #9 · answered by Yvonne 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they can get sick if they eat a lot of chocolate- don't freak out if your dog eats a Hershey kiss, though. I took my dog to the vet because I was so worried about her and it was not enough to hurt her.
2007-03-12 02:46:53 · answer #10 · answered by Jennifer A 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋