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Dog owners can seldom resist the pleading look in the dog’s eyes. 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. Food contamination would be avoided if the dog’s food is prepared by the owner but dog owners must be careful not to give the pet human food that are poisonous to dogs. Dogs’ metabolism is different from humans thus some food that are safe for human consumption would be poisonous to dogs. Not many dog owners are aware that the innocuous looking chocolate is poisonous to dogs.

Chocolate is a favorite food of humans. Young and old and even dogs would love to have a chocolate fix. Chocolates must not be given to dogs as even a small amount can have dangerous effects on the pet. Theobromine, the naturally occurring chemical is what poisons the dog. Theobromine in chocolate will stimulate the functioning of the dog’s nervous system. The concentration of Theobromine would depend on the type of chocolate ingested by the dog. The level of theobromine increases as the chocolate gets darker thus cocoa beans would contain the most amount followed by baking chocolates. Although chocolate mixes and milk chocolates contains lower levels of theobromine, the dog can still get affected if considerable amount is consumed.

Aside from the type of chocolate consumed the level of toxicity would also depend 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. As the toxic substance is absorbed, the pet would start to be hyperactive and restless. Muscle twitching, excessive panting and frequent urination will be noticed. About 36 hours after a toxic amount of chocolate is ingested death can happen as the irregular heartbeat compromises the flow of blood to the brain and to the other vital organs of the dog.

There is no antidote for chocolate poisoning. Dog owners that have noticed the dog’s consumption of chocolates must take the pet to a veterinary facility even though the amount of chocolate consumed is unknown or even if the dog is not yet showing symptoms of poisoning.

Want to know more about which foods are poisonous to dogs. Visit Sarah’s Dogs for a thourough list of toxic dog foods as well as dog first aid tips.

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