Most dog-lovers and pet-owners know that chocolate and dogs just don't mix. And while it's heart-wrenching to see their sad faces dying to eat chocolate, chocolate poisoning in dogs remains a problem and it's important to keep your pet away from it. But, do you'll know why chocolate isn't healthy for your dog? Read on to know why...
Chocolate and cocoa are products of cacao beans after they are fermented, roasted, shelled and ground. Chocolate contains two ingredients potentially lethal to dogs – theobromine and caffeine. There are 1-9 milligrams of theobromine per gram of chocolate, with higher levels in darker chocolate. However, white chocolate has zero risks of toxicity. Toxicity to chocolate starts at around 20mg of theobromine per kilogram of body weight. Hence, the issue also is indirectly correlated to your dog's weight. How do you know when your dog has secretly eaten chocolate, you ask? One of the first signs to look for if you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate is restlessness and hyperactivity. Vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle tremors/shaking and hyperthermia (high body temperature) can occur at toxic levels. Your dog might even seek out cooler places. The hyperthermia causes panting, the main way dogs lose body heat.
Now that you know exactly why chocolate is so harmful to your dog, we trust you'll take ten times more care about the matter. This Christmas, hide away all those chocolate desserts and ensure a happy and healthy new year for your pets!
