Buzz
Even if you don't own a dog, you're probably aware that chocolate is harmful to them. It’s one of the most recognized toxic foods for dogs (and even cats). But what is it about chocolate that makes it so dangerous for dogs? Why can humans eat it without any issues, but dogs can't?
The culprit is theobromine, a compound found in chocolate that humans can process easily, but dogs cannot. As Mike Topper, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, explains to Mytour, 'Dogs just can't break it down as quickly as humans, so when they ingest it, it can cause harm.'
The severity of the toxic effects can range from mild digestive upset to more serious symptoms like seizures, heart failure, or even death. If a dog eats chocolate, they may become thirsty, experience diarrhea, and display signs of hyperactivity or shaking. In severe cases, this hyperactivity may progress into seizures, and the dog could develop arrhythmia and suffer a heart attack.
While cats are more sensitive to theobromine, they’re less inclined to eat chocolate. Cats tend to be more selective with their food, and some studies suggest they can’t taste sweetness. Dogs, however, are more likely to stare at you with those sad, pleading eyes, hoping for a bite of whatever you’re eating, including chocolate. They’ve even been known to snatch it from the counter when you're not looking.
If your dog manages to grab your favorite chocolate bar, it's important to get them to a vet within two hours. Theobromine is processed slowly, so 'if we can remove it from the stomach, there will be less to metabolize,' says Topper. Your vet may induce vomiting and use activated charcoal to block theobromine absorption. Intravenous fluids can help flush it from your dog's system before it becomes fatal.
Toxicity depends on the type of chocolate (dark chocolate has a higher theobromine concentration than milk chocolate, and baking chocolate is particularly potent), the size of your dog, and any preexisting health conditions like heart or kidney issues. While every dog will suffer, a small, elderly, or unhealthy dog won’t tolerate the poison as well as a large, healthy one. 'A Great Dane who eats two Hershey’s Kisses may not react the same way as a miniature Chihuahua that eats four,' explains Topper. The former may just have diarrhea, while the latter will likely need veterinary care.
Even if your dog is large, you shouldn't take chances. PetMD offers a useful calculator to assess the risk based on your dog’s size and the amount of chocolate eaten. However, if your dog has already ingested chocolate, PetMD isn't your first stop. Contact your vet, who already knows your dog’s details, including size and age. They’ll offer the best advice on how toxic the amount may be and how urgently you need to act.
If your dog consumes chocolate, it's better to spend a few hundred dollars at the vet for a quick treatment than wait until it’s too late to save them.
