Pets Vs Chocolate

Chocolate!! It’s everyone’s favorite. We just can’t seem to get enough! Choco­late is also very tasty to dogs, but not so tasty to cats. We all know that cats are pickier.

Chocolate comes from the beans of a plant called Theobroma cacao. The Greek word Theobroma literally means “food of the gods.” Ancient cultures used chocolate in their most sacred religious ceremonies. Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, a potent stimulant that is chemically similar to caffeine. The stimulant effect was thought to be a sign that those who indulged were coming closer to their deities.

Though it may be the food of the gods, chocolate is very toxic to your pets. Dogs that eat too much chocolate may vomit at first and/or have diarrhea. If enough of the chocolate is absorbed, the dog may start to show signs of hyperactivity, panting, pacing, restlessness or muscle tremors. With all the stimulant effects comes a very rapid heartbeat and even seizures, both of which can be fatal.

Chocolate poisoning is one or the most common types of poisonings reported. Poisoning is more common around holiday times.

The more expensive the chocolate product, the more “real” chocolate it contains therefore the more toxic it is.

In case your dog needs to be taken to the veterinarian due to the amount of chocolate consumed, be ready to relate the type of chocolate, the amount and time of ingestion.

Dogs do love chocolate, but be kind to your dog – save the chocolate for you and your sweetheart!