Dog owners can seldom resist the pleading look in the dog's eyes. Dogs love to eat and these four legged friends love to eat the food being eaten by the master. We can't blame dogs. Given a chance dogs would surely not trade the appetizing aroma and taste of people food with the unpleasant smelling dry kibble.
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. A dog owner may not be aware that dogs and chocolate is a bad combination as this people food can kill a dog.
Chocolate is a favorite food of humans. Chocolate bars, choco drinks, baking chocolate and many other types of chocolates are mainstays in people's larder because chocolate is a favorite food. 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. Once chocolate is ingested, the nervous system will be affected by Theobromine. The level of this stimulant varies with the type of chocolate. Baking chocolates and cocoa beans are more dangerous to dogs as these types of chocolates have higher levels of toxicity. Milk chocolates and other chocolate mixes have lower levels of toxicity but dogs can still get affected if large amounts of these chocolate types are consumed.
The dangerous effects of chocolate depends on what kind was consumed, on the amount and on the body weight of the dog. Dogs that have eaten chocolates would vomit and have diarrhea. The dog will then be restless and hyperactive as the body absorbs the toxic substance. 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. 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.
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. A dog owner may not be aware that dogs and chocolate is a bad combination as this people food can kill a dog.
Chocolate is a favorite food of humans. Chocolate bars, choco drinks, baking chocolate and many other types of chocolates are mainstays in people's larder because chocolate is a favorite food. 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. Once chocolate is ingested, the nervous system will be affected by Theobromine. The level of this stimulant varies with the type of chocolate. Baking chocolates and cocoa beans are more dangerous to dogs as these types of chocolates have higher levels of toxicity. Milk chocolates and other chocolate mixes have lower levels of toxicity but dogs can still get affected if large amounts of these chocolate types are consumed.
The dangerous effects of chocolate depends on what kind was consumed, on the amount and on the body weight of the dog. Dogs that have eaten chocolates would vomit and have diarrhea. The dog will then be restless and hyperactive as the body absorbs the toxic substance. 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. 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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Want to know more about which foods are poisonous to dogs. Visit Sarah's Dogs for a thourough list of toxic dog foods.