Home : Pets : Dogs : Chocolate : Never give dogs chocolate

Never give dogs chocolate

Never give your pet chocolate. This can be very toxic to your pet. You can buy special choc treats for your dog, that will be better for them.

Visitors comments

Special Chocolate Comments By: Joscelyn on 2004-11-28

Apparently those "special" chocolate treats still contain cocoa powder, that still contains Theo Bromine. It may be safer, but the safest tip is to not give your pet chocolate of any kind at all.

choc treats Comments By: ace ventura on 2005-01-04

The active ingredient in Human chocolate acts as a depressent for dogs. It won't damage their health (unless given in great doses), it'll just make them depressed and down in the dumps. I'm sure no animal lover wants that for their pet!

OHNO!!! Comments By: alice on 2005-01-27

I dont think that you shouldn't feed pets any kind of chocolate. My dog found my chocolates ate them and barfed.

some chocolate facts Comments By: Cris Q. on 2005-06-21

The truth is chocolate contains theobromine that is toxic to dogs in sufficient quantities. This is a xanthine compound in the same family of caffeine, and theophylline.

Toxic Levels

The good news is that it takes, on average, a fairly large amount of theobromine 100-150 mg/kg to cause a toxic reaction. Although there are variables to consider like the individual sensitivity, animal size and chocolate concentration.

On average,
Milk chocolate contains 44 mg of theobromine per oz.
Semisweet chocolate contains 150mg/oz.
Baker's chocolate 390mg/oz.

Using a dose of 100 mg/kg as the toxic dose it comes out roughly as:
1 ounce per 1 pound of body weight for Milk chocolate
1 ounce per 3 pounds of body weight for Semisweet chocolate
1 ounce per 9 pounds of body weight for Baker's chocolate.

Xanthines affect the nervous system, cardiovascular system and peripheral nerves. It has a diuretic effect as well.

Do NOT feed your dog chocolate of ANY kind! Comments By: Terri on 2005-06-22

Last weekend my two cocker spaniels raided the pantry and ate chocolate chips, a full bag of marshmallows and even some hot cocoa mix. They both nearly died. I had to rush them to the 24 hr. emergency vet clinic at 3:30 a.m., where they immediately had I.V.'s started and were deeply sedated until their heart rates returned to somewhat normal. DON'T DO IT !!!

chocolate substitute Comments By: revoirak on 2008-12-13

a great chocolate substitute is Carob...its safe and my dog loves it...you can find it at any store...check the ingredients!