Why dogs should not be allowed to eat chocolates
People love dogs. As such people tend to share whatever they eat with the dog unknowing that some human foods can be dangerous to dog. It is really be surprising how some foods that are safe for humans can be toxic to dogs. Humans and dogs are believed to have many genetic similarities but they differ in many ways as well. One of these differences is the dog's inability to digest chocolates. Dogs are given bits of chocolate because not many dog owners are aware of the toxic effects of this food on dogs. Chocolates are comfort foods that give humans loads of benefits. 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. Theobromine is dangerous to dogs as it acts as stimulant that causes frequent urination, affects heart muscles and the kidneys and the central nervous system. The toxic effects of theobromine in dogs is caused by dog's inability 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. Apparently, a dog will not show signs of poisoning if only a small amount of these kinds of chocolates are consumed.
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. White chocolates have little amount of theobromine thus the toxicity level is quite low.
A dog has to ingest about 200 ounces of white chocolate per pound of body weight before the dog shows clinical signs of chocolate poisoning. Milk chocolates and semi-sweet chocolates contains more of toxic substance thus a substantial amount consumed will be dangerous to the pet. Among the types of chocolates, the baking chocolate is the most dangerous. Dog owners don't normally give the dog baking chocolate but knowing the voracious appetite of these animals, it is still possible for the dog to gorge on the dangerous food. If this happens, the dog must be taken to the vet's at once. Find out more about what to do if your 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. Theobromine is dangerous to dogs as it acts as stimulant that causes frequent urination, affects heart muscles and the kidneys and the central nervous system. The toxic effects of theobromine in dogs is caused by dog's inability 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. Apparently, a dog will not show signs of poisoning if only a small amount of these kinds of chocolates are consumed.
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. White chocolates have little amount of theobromine thus the toxicity level is quite low.
A dog has to ingest about 200 ounces of white chocolate per pound of body weight before the dog shows clinical signs of chocolate poisoning. Milk chocolates and semi-sweet chocolates contains more of toxic substance thus a substantial amount consumed will be dangerous to the pet. Among the types of chocolates, the baking chocolate is the most dangerous. Dog owners don't normally give the dog baking chocolate but knowing the voracious appetite of these animals, it is still possible for the dog to gorge on the dangerous food. If this happens, the dog must be taken to the vet's at once. Find out more about what to do if your 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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