Most people know that their pet should not eat chocolate, but not many people know why. Contrary to popular belief, it is not the caffeine that causes problems but another similar substance, theobromine, which is a compound present in cocoa. This substance acts like a stimulant (similar to caffeine). Dogs do not have a specific enzyme that humans have to break down the theobromine. In turn, the theobromine can overstimulate the nervous and cardiovascular system in a dog. This can lead to increased blood pressure, dehydration, stomach pains, vomiting and even death.
A response that a dog can have with chocolate depends on several factors, the type of chocolate eaten, the size of the dog and amount eaten. Certain types of chocolate contain more theobromine than others, as an easy rule the darker the chocolate the more theobromine it will have. The best tip we can give is never give your dog (or cat for that matter) chocolate unless it states very clearly on the packet ‘for animal consumption’.
With thanks to Homely Petz, provider of pet care connections, dog training and kennels since 2006. Visit www.homelypetz.com.