Why Chocolates Should Not Be Given To Dogs

Dogs are probably the most loved pets. As such people tend to share whatever they eat with the dog unknowing that some human foods can be dangerous to dog. It is really be surprising how some foods that are safe for humans can be toxic to dogs. Humans and dog have many genetic similarities but they are also different in a lot of ways. One of these differences is the dog’s inability to digest chocolates. Not many pet owners are aware of the toxic effect of chocolates to their pets. People love chocolates as this comfort food has many benefits for humans. Chocolates + dogs is an equation that can have dangerous results.

The substance theobromine in chocolate is the reason why this world’s most loved treat is toxic to dogs. Theobromine the chemical that is similar to caffeine is found in cocoa beans from where chocolate is derived. Theobromine is dangerous to dogs as it acts as stimulant that causes frequent urination, affects heart muscles and the kidneys and the central nervous system. Unlike humans, a dog’s system does not have the ability to digest this substance. Continued consumption will increase the accumulation of the substance in the dog’s system until the high level of toxic concentration causes a variety of medical concern.

Pet owners have this habit of sharing anything they eat with the pet thus a slice of chocolate cake or a bite of the chocolate bar will be tossed to the dog. Small amount of chocolate consumed by the dog would not show clinical signs of poisoning. Chocolate is dose dependent meaning that a dog has to ingest about 100 to 150 milligrams per kilogram of dog body weight before the toxicity level can be reached. The toxicity level would depend on the type of chocolate consumed. Because white chocolates is low in theobromine content, the toxicity level is also low. Because of the low theobromine content, a dog has to consume 200 ounces of white chocolates before clinical signs of poisoning can be noticed. However, this is not so with milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate as it contains more of the dangerous theobromine chemical. The baking chocolate is considered to be the most dangerous among all types of chocolates. Dog owners may not give the dog baking chocolate, dogs being the voracious eaters that they are may be lured by the smell and filch the chocolate while the master’s back is turned. The dog has to have medical attention ASAP. Find out more about what to do if your dog eats chocolate.