Although chocolate is a tasty treat for humans, it can be real poison for dogs. Veterinarians strongly warn owners: feeding pets sweets, especially chocolate, is extremely dangerous!
Let’s find out why chocolate can be toxic to pets and what consequences may arise if it enters the body of a cat or dog.
Chocolate is made from cocoa beans, which contain two main substances — caffeine and theobromine. It is theobromine that gives dark chocolate its characteristic bitter taste. For humans, these alkaloids are not dangerous, but for animals, they can have a negative impact on the central nervous system.
The degree of toxicity of chocolate depends on its type. For example, dark chocolate contains a higher level of theobromine compared to milk chocolate. When assessing the impact of chocolate, it is important to consider the percentage of cocoa in the bar or candy, the amount of the treat consumed, and the weight of the pet.
Chocolate poisoning is most commonly observed in dogs, but other pets, including cats and rodents, are also at risk.
So why is chocolate so dangerous for animals? The fact is that their absorption of sweets occurs more slowly than in humans. When cocoa beans enter the body, they can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rhythm disturbances, which in some cases can lead to death. Additionally, the fats and sugars contained in chocolate can provoke severe pancreatitis, requiring immediate hospitalization.
Symptoms of Chocolate Poisoning
The first signs of theobromine poisoning may appear 6-12 hours after chocolate consumption. These include:
hyperactivity;
nervousness;
anxiety;
tremors and seizures;
vomiting;
increased urination;
rapid heartbeat;
diarrhea.
In a 20 kg dog, the first signs of poisoning may appear after consuming just 11 grams of chocolate.
If your pet accidentally swallowed a significant piece of chocolate, it is essential to contact a veterinarian immediately. The owner may attempt to induce vomiting in the pet to expel the toxins, but without professional help, this can be difficult. Therefore, zoologists recommend not leaving sweets in places accessible to animals and closely monitoring their diet.
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