Monday, August 1, 2011

Human Food that can Poison the Dog

By Jerry Welsh


Dogs only need to look pleadingly at the master and they would get whatever they want. Dogs are noted to being good eaters and how these animals love people food. Dogs are not to blame. No dog in his right mind would choose kibble over mouthwatering people food.

Since the pet food scare that resulted to the deaths of hundreds of dogs, pet parents have taken to feeding the dog home cooked meals rather than giving the pet commercially prepared food that may be contaminated with toxic substances. However, a dog owner that gives this kind of diet to the pet must be aware that some people foods are poisonous to dogs. Some people food are not tolerated by dogs because of their different metabolism. Not many dog owners are aware that the innocuous looking chocolate is poisonous to dogs.

People really love eating chocolates. Chocolate bars, choco drinks, baking chocolate and many other types of chocolates are mainstays in people's larder because chocolate is a favorite food. However, even a small amount of this mouth watering treat can have dangerous effects on the dog. Theobromine, the naturally occurring chemical is what poisons the dog. Theobromine is a stimulant that affects the nervous system and the heart of a dog. The effects of toxicity on the dog would depend on the theobromide content of the chocolate consumed. The level of theobromine increases as the chocolate gets darker thus cocoa beans would contain the most amount followed by baking chocolates. Milk chocolate and chocolate mixes would have the least amount of this dangerous stimulant.

The dangerous effects of chocolate depends on what kind was consumed, on the amount and on the body weight of the dog. After the dog has ingested a toxic amount of chocolate, the pet may suffer from vomiting and diarrhea. Restlessness and hyperactivity are indications that the dog's body has already absorbed the toxic substance. Frequent urination, muscle twitching excessive panting are other symptoms of chocolate poisoning. If treatment is not given, the dog can die about 30 minutes after consuming chocolates with high level of toxicity as the poisonous substance would result to arrhythmia so that blood flow to the brain and to the other organs will be affected.

There is no antidote for chocolate poisoning. Dogs that have ingested chocolates must have emergency treatment even if the amount or the kind of chocolate the dog has ingested is unknown and even if the dog has not shown any symptoms of poisoning.




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