Why is chocloate so bad for dogs?

Answer 1

Morgana, I've missed you. Where've you been hiding?

As you can see it's the TheoBromine in the chocolate that can damage a dog's liver and other internal organs. while NOT toxic in normal amounts, dogs tend to be goblers and will eat the entire supply of it, given the chance. Carob, is an excellent substitute, not only for dogs but also for humans who are on a reduced caffeine diet. Carob doesn't taste exactly like chocolate but is very close in flavor and will address the chocolate cravings of most people. Also, a SMALL amount of chocolate is NOT harmful to a dog, An occasional bite (about a square of a typical Hershey's Bar) is perfectly fine, the whole candy bar would make the dog ill, however. contrary to popular opinion it is NOT deadly poision, it simple makes the dog ill and gives it severe diarhea.

BB,
Raji the Green Witch

Answer 2

Chocolat can mess with a dogs kidneys and shut down the nervous system. Milk chocolat does not do serious damage, so if a dog accidently ingests some, it will be ok... depending on the size of the dog and the amount of chocolate. Mostly it is cocoa and dark chocloate!

Answer 3

Chocolate contains theobromine. A naturally occurring stimulant found in the cocoa bean, theobromine increases urination and affects the central nervous system as well as heart muscle.

While amounts vary by type of chocolate, it's the theobromine that is poisonous to dogs.

You can recognize that your dog has eaten a toxic dose of chocolate from the symptoms. Within the first few hours, the evidence includes;
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Hyperactivity.

As time passes and there's increased absorption of the toxic substance, you'll see an increase in the dog's heart rate, which can cause;
Arrhythmia
Restlessness
Hyperactivity
Muscle twitching
Increased urination or excessive panting.

This can lead to hyperthermia, muscle tremors, seizures, coma and even death.

Answer 4

Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance similar to caffeine; dogs are more sensitive to this compound than humans are. In large doses it can cause anxiety, elevated heart rate, upset stomach, diarrhea; and at very large doses heart arrhythmia and death. The amount of theobromine depends on the type of chocolate. Baking chocolate has the most, followed by dark and high cacao content chocolates; milk chocolate has relatively little, most chocolate flavored products very little, and white chocolate has none.

As an example, a 60-pound lab might get a toxic dose from 4 oz. of baking chocolate, but would need 2 pounds (32 oz) of milk chocolate - more than most people can eat without throwing up.

Answer 5

In chocolate there is a chemical called theobromine. it is toxic to dogs and some dogs are more allergic to it then others. it is more concentrated the higher the higher the percentage of the chocolate solids in the type of chocolate. bakers chocolate being one of the worst. Milk chocolate has much less. The size of the dog and how their body reacts to the chemical. large dogs probably won't die from a few m&M but it could make them sick. its just better generally to not give dogs chocolate and if you know they got ahold of bakers or dark chocolate you will want to keep a close eye on them and take them to the vet if anything seems out of normal

Answer 6

Chocolate contains theobromine. A naturally occurring stimulant found in the cocoa bean, theobromine increases urination and affects the central nervous system as well as heart muscle. While amounts vary by type of chocolate, it's the theobromine that is poisonous to dogs.

Answer 7

Chocolate can make a dog very sick.
Cocoa powder and cooking chocolate are the most toxic.
Semi-sweet chocolate and dark chocolate and milk chocolate are the least toxic.
Theobromine can increase the dogs heart rate and cause the heart to beat irregular.
The symptoms are vomiting,diarrhea,tremors,hyperactivity,seizures..

Here is a link that will tell you what can happen and other foods that are not good for a dog to eat.

http://www.missouriscenicrivers.com/baddogfoods.html

Answer 8

It contains a substance (whose name I cannot remember) which causes increased heart rate and can cause death from that (much like an overdose of caffeine). I don't believe it is "poisonous" like rodenticides or arsenic.

It is also toxic for cats for the same reason and cats tend not to gorge on it as a dog will do (eating a whole box of chocolate candy for instance). A cat would never do that.

Answer 9

Chocolate toxicity is due to an ingredient called Methlaxanthine which is also found in caffine sodas, coffee and tea.
Symptoms of this toxicity are:
Vomiting, Diarrohea, restlessness, hyperactivity, ataxia (wobbly), muscle tremours, bradycardia (increased respiratory rate), hypertermia, tachycardia (increased heart rate), arrhythmias (heart rytthmn problems), seizures, coma and death.

Answer 10

I think that it's something to do with not being able to digest it. But dont quote me on that one!
I take my Venus out for ice cream at least once a week...but i have heard the same about chocolate.

I hope you find what it is that you seek.

((((Blessings))))
)o(
Trinity