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Asked by alicegd to Jo, Kevin on 22 Jun 2012.
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Joanna Cruden answered on 22 Jun 2012:
In very small amounts they should be able to cope but like many humans once dogs get the taste they want more and it is better not to give it to them!
If they eat chocolate and then show the following symptoms it is advisable to take them to the vet for a check over vomiting, hyper active; restless, struggle breathing. If it is a severe case the dog may come weak, have seizures or worse
Chocolate contains Theobromine (which is a toxic component of chocolate) and humans can break this down and excrete it within about 4-6 hours whereas for dogs it can take up to 36 hours and this means the chemical remains in their blood going around their body and through the liver many times, so it keeps poisoning them many times before their body finally breaks it down to excrete it
Humans can break down and excrete Theobromine much more efficiently than dogs.
Chocolate also contains traces of caffeine which also can cause dogs to have an upset tummy
There are special chocolate treats available you can feed your dog.
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Kevin Mahon answered on 22 Jun 2012:
It’s down to the dogs inability to properly process a certain chemical found in chocolate.
Chocolate contains theobromine – a naturally occurring stimulant found in the cocoa bean, theobromine increases urination and affects the central nervous system as well as heart muscle.
While amounts vary by type of chocolate, theobromine in certain quantities is poisonous to dogs.
We eat it when we eat chocolate, but we can metabolise it so fast it’s not a problem. Many other animals besides dogs have problems metabolising theobromine – hence it’s poisonous effects.
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