Chocolates for Dogs?

My West Highland Terrier - all shaved!!! He was so saaaaad!
Why is chocolate harmful to a dogs health?Chocolate, as you know, is made with cocoa beans. And cocoa beans contain methylxanthine alkaloids in the form of theobromine and caffeinea, which are toxic to dogs. Chocolate can also contain high amounts of fat which can put your dogs health in jeopardy as well.

People stop eating chocolate before getting to toxic levels, but dogs don't!What are the warning signs of a problem?Any dog who's eaten chocolate should be watched closely for symptoms, particularly smaller dogs, "seniors", and dogs with health problems. Symptoms may range from from vomiting and diarrhea to panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death in severe cases.

What can be done once chocolate is ingested?Make note of the type of chocolate ingested and how much was eaten, if possible.Theobromine will stay in the bloodstream between 14 and 20 hours. Within two hours of ingestion, try inducing vomiting unless your dog is over stimulated, comatose, or has lost the gag reflex.If your dog has eaten a considerable amount of chocolate, or displays any of the above symptoms, take her to the vet right away. If her symptoms are minor, make her eat activated charcoal. The unabsorbed theobromine binds to it and be passed out of the system.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr.Carolyn Schweitzer, a former family dentsit, is a PowerSeller on eBay and owner and editor of several websites, including http://www.great-dog-gift.com/.