Bambi Eloriaga-Amago
As every responsible pet owner knows, giving chocolate to dogs is a very big no-no. But how exactly could something so divine-tasting (at least, for humans,) be so frighteningly harmful to our beloved pooches?
The answer lies in a chemical component of chocolate called theobromine. While humans can easily process the chemical, dogs—on the other hand—cannot metabolize it, leading to a build-up of toxic levels in their system. Symptoms of theobromine poisoning include diarrhea, an increased heart rate, elevated body temperatures, rapid breathing, vomiting, and even seizures.
Ingesting a small amount may not necessarily lead to death, but it could still result in discomfort and diarrhea for your dogs. The lethal amount of theobromine varies depending on the kind of chocolate—milk, dark, or white—as well as on the size of the dog. For example, the Hill’s Pet website states that “Less than an ounce of dark chocolate may be enough to poison a 44-pound dog.”
Theobromine poisoning can be treated by administering Hydrogen Peroxide to induce vomiting, but of course, it’s wise to consult your veterinarian first, as you might do more damage rather than help the stricken canine. But to really stay on the safe side, it’s best to keep your dogs away from chocolate altogether.
