The Danger Of Chocolate To Dogs

One of the most repeated myths about dog food is that chocolate is a poison to dogs; and that is absolutely right. Below we will explain the reasons that make this food a danger to your pet.

Chocolate, like coffee and some types of tea, has a substance (alkaloid) called Theobromine which, when ingested, causes the animal to increase its heart contractions,  which is related to the muscle’s ability to respond to a stimulus. .

It also works as a potent diuretic that causes dehydration, vomiting, stomach and intestinal problems, diarrhea, among others.

In very high concentrations it can considerably affect the nervous system and, in very severe cases, it can even lead to the animal’s death.

Why can humans eat chocolate?

The organisms of dogs and humans are very different, and the answer to that question has a lot to do with their metabolism.

Humans metabolize theobromine in a very short space, preventing its accumulation in organs and thus preventing the presence of the alkaloid from affecting them.

However, it can remain between 17 and 72 hours in the dog’s body, depending on the concentration and amount ingested, producing arterial constrictions and tachycardia.

Not only is theobromine toxic to dogs, it is also harmful to the organism of a wide range of animals, including cats, pigs and horses.

Not all chocolates do the same damage.

The concentration of theobromine largely depends on  the quality and type of cocoa used in the production of chocolate.

Therefore, the greater the purity of the product, the greater its concentration. However, the recommendation is still not to give chocolate or its derivatives to dogs.

Below, we will report the approximate concentration of theobromine in different types of chocolate per gram:

White chocolate: 0.01 milligram x gram

Chocolate with milk: 2 milligrams x gram

Sweet black chocolate: 4.5 milligrams x gram

Powdered chocolate: 26 milligrams x gram

dangerous quantities

Chocolate poisoning, as with plants or from toxic products, is one of the most common causes of poisoning in pets.

However, the amount of theobromine that chocolate has is potentially harmful or deadly for dogs, but this will depend on two factors: the type of chocolate (and therefore the concentration of theobromine) and the size of the animal.

The organism of a small dog supports less theobromine than that of a large breed, and therefore, the risk of poisoning by this food for dogs with these characteristics is greater.

Therefore, a dog weighing less than a pound will be at risk of severe poisoning, even if he consumes a small amount of white chocolate. A medium-sized dog, between 12 and 13 kilos, can have an increased heart rate if he consumes 300 grams of low purity chocolate. However, only 250 grams are capable of causing the death of the same dog if the purity of the chocolate consumed is high.

poisoning symptoms

In case you notice that a dog has consumed a significant amount of chocolate, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Treatments for ingesting poisonous products are generally vomiting or stomach lavage.

However, if you have not witnessed your dog ingesting the product, it may show some warning signs, such as vomiting or diarrhea a few hours after consumption.

When intoxication is severe, he has tachycardia, which can trigger tremors, seizures, or even death.

Recommendations to avoid accidental poisoning

Prevention is the key to avoiding potential poisonings and the following recommendations don’t just apply to chocolate.

• Do not leave products that may be harmful to their health within reach of dogs.
• Educate your pet to wait for things to be given to them and not steal them from plates, tables, or take them out of the trash.
• Talk with the whole family and also with visitors about the risks of giving certain products to the dog. If you have children at home, it is best to remind them of this often and make sure they understand what it means for the puppy’s health.

It is necessary to be aware of the symptoms that trigger the alarm about the poisoning. Prompt treatment can ensure the dog’s survival and complete recovery.