Is Chocolate Deadly for Dogs? A Quick Guide!

Why Can Dogs Die After Eating Chocolate?

1. It's widely known that chocolate is made from cocoa beans, and some varieties are processed from cocoa powder. Cocoa contains numerous derivatives of methylxanthines, a class of substances that includes caffeine and theobromine. When these substances bind to receptors on cell surfaces, they interfere with the natural substances in dogs that should be interacting with these receptors.

2. If a dog consumes a small amount of these substances, it may experience symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. However, humans often enjoy the pleasant sensation that chocolate provides. The alkaloids in chocolate, or a small amount of caffeine, can cause muscle spasms and even shock in dogs. Additionally, the heart rate of a dog after consuming caffeine can increase by more than double, and some dogs may exhibit erratic behavior.

3. While dogs can digest small amounts of chocolate, it's crucial to note that this depends on the type of chocolate and the size of the dog. Sugarfree baking chocolates, for instance, contain more than six times the amount of methylxanthines than regular cream chocolates.

4. For smaller dogs, approximately 120 grams of cream chocolate can be fatal. Therefore, it's best for pet owners to avoid giving chocolate to their dogs.

Dogs, being omnivorous animals that can digest most human foods, have consistent food preferences. However, there are certain substances that dogs cannot digest, such as sugar. Humans can easily digest sugar, but dogs cannot.

Humans can enjoy delicious chocolate without harm, but for dogs, consuming these foods can be deadly.

Tip: For more information on what to do if a dog eats chocolate, click here to read 'What to Do If a Dog Eats Chocolate'.