Chocolate And Dogs

What is it about chocolate and dogs that make them such a dangerous combination? Can dogs eat chocolate? What are the risks of dogs eating chocolate? Why is chocolate toxic to dogs? These are very common questions asked by dog owners everywhere.

Chocolate and cocoa contain the chemical theobromide. Theobromine is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic. This will cause irregular heart beats and an increase in heart rate. It will also render your Chihuahua abnormally thirsty, and may make it pass a large amount of urine.

In large quantities, chocolate can be fatal to your Chi, in lesser amounts, it will cause gastrointestinal problems. Despite this danger between dogs and chocolate, it is commonly left in places dogs can reach.

The effect will depend on the size of the animal, as well as the type and amount of chocolate consumed. For example, bakers chocolate and semi sweet chocolate contain more theobromide than regular chocolate, making them more toxic to dogs.

It will take around 20 ounces of milk chocolate to cause harm to a 20 pound dog, where as it will only take 2 ounces of baking chocolate to cause harm. Small dogs like your Chihuahua are more in danger since they will have to eat less to be affected. Just licking a chocolate cake could result in your Chi becoming seriously ill!

The levels of theobromide in chocolate are the following:

•  Baker’s chocolate – 390mg per oz

• Semisweet chocolate – 150mg per oz

• Milk chocolate – 44mg per oz

 

 

 

Chocolate And Dogs - The Symptoms

If your dog has eaten a large amount of chocolate, do not be fooled into thinking he has not been affected.

Symptoms of chocolate toxicity in dogs may not manifest themselves for some hours after the chocolate has been eaten, and death may occur within 24 hours. The following symptoms may be displayed:

•  Excitement

• Tremors

• Seizures

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Abnormal heart rate/rhythm

• Drunken gait

• Coma

Dogs and Chocolate do not go well together and it won’t take much to make your Chihuahua seriously ill. If you think he has ingested foods which may be harmful to him, ensure you seek expert advice without delay. Adopting a “wait and see” attitude could prove to be fatal, every minute will count in these situations.

Want to learn more about other foods harmful to your Chihuahua?

Toxic Dog Foods

Dogs Eating Chocolate - Is There Any Chocolate For Dogs?

Carob Recipes

Click here to return from chocolate and dogs to the All About Chihuahuas Homepage

 

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