Is chocolate REALLY bad for dogs?

[SurreyGuy]

If so, then why?

T.I.A.

[retro dog]

Chocolate contains a chemical called the4obromine which is toxic to dogs. Although a tiny amount shouldn't hurt them its best to stick to dog chocolate.

[SurreyGuy]

ok - thanks

[wolf63]

My vet told me that only some dogs have a 'problem' with the chemical but to be on the safe side and not give your dog human chocolate. At the time we were discussing my stupid mutt who had devoured a stash of chocolate goodies he has sniffed out one Christmas. He was one sick mutt - but in his case it was the foil from the sweeties that was causing the problem.

Who wants to share their chocolate anyway!

[heffalump]

Dog 'chocolate' is made from carob, which is safe for them to eat. It smells and tastes nearly the same and my dogs love it as a special treat!

[lankeela]

Yes it is and here is why:

Chocolate, Hot Chocolate, Cocoa, Chocolate Cake
The poison Theobromine is found in the cocoa bean. - milk chocolate contains less than dark. In
dogs chocolate may harm the heart, kidneys and
central nervous system. The effect is very serious because dogs metabolize theobromine, a naturally occurring
substance in chocolate, very slowly.
Signs of Theobromine poisoning include; nausea and vomiting,
restlessness, diarrhoea, muscle tremors, lethargy, depression,
increased urination or incontinence and finally death.

Now I am in a quandary - do I admit that this answer was plagiarised from my answer on another thread - or do I have to reveal the original site where I found the answer?

[SurreyGuy]

Cherrs guys.

I haven't been giving my pooch chocolate for a long time, but I didn't really know why. From now on, she gets Bob Martins only! :o)

[rocky999]

Grapes are also very dangerous for dogs if eaten in large quantities because the toxins in them can cause severe stomach problems.

[kelbillug]

Wolf63, I think it's funny that you say the 'stupid mutt' ate the chocolate....the dog doesn't know it's toxic for him, it just smells and tastes good!

When I was about 12, my dad left a huge bag of chocolate on the dining room floor in plastic bags. Our dog got into it and ate huge amounts of the stuff, foil and all, and got very sick. So who's the stupid one, the dog? Or the one who should have known better to leave food on the floor?

[lankeela]

I know of a Westie who are a box of chocolates and died.

[lankeela]

Sorry - 'ate' a box of chocolates!

[SurreyGuy]

My little sod ate a whole (BIG) bar of Cadbury's Dairy Milk about 6 months ago. The little tinker took it off the table! However, she was very good and didn't eat the wrapper - she just left that in tatters and strewn all over the lounge! :o)

[archiestaffy]

My friends dog ate a whole Terrys chocolate orange including wrapper! Luckily shes ok though!

[Mesmer]

Last Xmas we had to leave our Springer Spaniel alone in the house for a short while. Somehow he managed to knock a tin of Quality Street off the coffee table which sprang the lid open. He ate a considerable quantity carefully disgarding the wrappers so we could count how many - 35. Within the next 24 hours he became very hyperactive and displayed signs of distress. We became concerned and took him to the Vet. He was put on a drip, sedated and kept in overnight. A large bill but thankfully we were insured. The wife displays the same symptons after her fourth Twix Extra Large but I haven't got insurance for her so we just have a lively evening in.