Dogs are probably the most loved pets. Pet owners unaware of the dangerous effect of some people food to animals would share whatever they are eating with the pet. A pet owner would wonder why foods that give humans a lot of benefits would be harmful to dogs. Humans and dog have many genetic similarities but they are also different in a lot of ways. The inability of a dog's system to tolerate chocolate is one of these differences. Dogs are given bits of chocolate because not many dog owners are aware of the toxic effects of this food on dogs. Humans get a lot of benefits from chocolates. Chocolates + dogs is an equation that can have dangerous results.
The substance theobromine that is found in chocolates is what makes this world's most loved treat toxic to dogs. Theobromine the chemical that is similar to caffeine is found in cocoa beans from where chocolate is derived. This chemical acts as a stimulant and has the effect of increasing the frequency of urination and affecting the central nervous system as well as the heart muscles. 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.
Theobromine have dangerous effects but a dog has to ingest a substantial amount of chocolates before clinical signs of poisoning will be seen. 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. Among the types of chocolates, the baking chocolate is the most dangerous. 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. This situation calls for immediate treatment to save the life of the pet. Furthermore there are several things you can do if you dog eats chocolate.
The substance theobromine that is found in chocolates is what makes this world's most loved treat toxic to dogs. Theobromine the chemical that is similar to caffeine is found in cocoa beans from where chocolate is derived. This chemical acts as a stimulant and has the effect of increasing the frequency of urination and affecting the central nervous system as well as the heart muscles. 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.
Theobromine have dangerous effects but a dog has to ingest a substantial amount of chocolates before clinical signs of poisoning will be seen. 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. Among the types of chocolates, the baking chocolate is the most dangerous. 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. This situation calls for immediate treatment to save the life of the pet. Furthermore there are several things you can do if you dog eats chocolate.
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FInd out more about why dogs can't eat chocolate and what to do if your dog eats chocolate at Sarah's Dogs.
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