Chocolate Is Toxic For The Dog, We Will Tell You Why

One of the most widespread myths about dog food is that chocolate is toxic to dogs. This is absolutely true, below we explain why.

Chocolate, like coffee and some types of tea, has an alkaloid called Theobromine, which, when ingested, causes an increase in the contractility of the heart in the animal , which refers to the ability of the muscle to respond to a stimulus. . They also work as a powerful diuretic, causing dehydration, vomiting, stomach and intestinal problems, and diarrhea, among others. In very high concentrations it can considerably affect the nervous system and, in very severe cases, the death of the animal.

Why Humans Can Consume Chocolate

The organisms of dogs and humans are very different and the answer to this question has a lot to do with the metabolism of each of them. Humans metabolize theobromine in a very short period of time, avoiding its accumulation in the organs and their affectation by the presence of the alkaloid. However, it can remain between 17 and 72 hours in the dog’s body, depending on the concentration and the amount ingested, producing arterial constrictions and tachycardia.

Theobromine is not only toxic to dogs, it is also harmful to the body of a diverse group of animals, including cats, pigs and horses.

Not all chocolates do the same harm

The theobromine concentration largely depends on the quality and type of cocoa, the higher the purity of the chocolate, the higher its concentration. However, the recommendation remains not to supply chocolate or its derivatives to dogs. Here is the approximate concentration of theobromine in different types of chocolate for each gram:

White chocolate: 0.01 milligrams x gram

Milk chocolate: 2 milligrams x gram

Sweet dark chocolate: 4.5 milligrams x gram

Chocolate powder: 26 milligrams x gram

Dangerous quantities

Chocolate poisoning, like poisoning from plants or toxic products, is one of the most common causes of poisoning in pets. However, the amount of theobromine in chocolate is potentially harmful or fatal for dogs, but it will depend on two factors : the kind of chocolate (and therefore the concentration of theobromine) and the size of the animal. The organism of a small dog supports less theobromine than one of a large breed, the risk of chocolate poisoning being greater in dogs with these characteristics.

Therefore, a puppy under one kilo will be at risk of serious poisoning even if he consumes a small amount of white chocolate. A medium-sized dog, between 12 and 13 kilos, may experience an increase in heart rate, if he consumes 300 grams of low-purity chocolate. However, only 250 grams can cause death to the same dog if the purity of the chocolate it consumes is high.

Symptoms of poisoning

In case you observe that a dog has consumed a significant amount of chocolate, it is best to consult with the veterinarian. The treatments for the ingestion of poisonous products, is usually to induce vomiting or make stomach washes.

However, if you have not witnessed the ingestion of cocoa, the dog may present vomiting and diarrhea as a warning sign during the hours after consumption. When poisoning is severe, tachycardia occurs, which can lead to tremors, seizures, or death.

Recommendations to avoid accidental poisoning

Prevention is the key to avoiding possible poisonings and these recommendations apply not only to chocolate.

• Do not leave products that could be harmful to the dog’s health within reach.
• Educate him to wait for things to be given to him and not steal them from plates, tables, or take them out of the garbage can.
• Talk with the family and visit about the risk involved in giving certain products to the dog, if there are children at home, it is best to remember this frequently and make sure they understand the risk that it implies for the dog’s health.
• Keep an eye out for alarm symptoms, prompt treatment can guarantee the dog’s survival and full recovery after poisoning.