Why Is Chocolate Toxic To Dogs?

You’ve probably heard time and time again that chocolate is toxic to dogs. But have you ever wondered why? Here’s what you need to know.

Theobromine

Chocolate contains a xanthine compound known as theobromine. Closely related to caffeine, this component is what makes chocolate so toxic and potentially fatal to our canine companions, which is a pity due to chocolate’s many health benefits.

How Much Is Too Much?

As a rule, the darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it has, and therefore the more dangerous it is to your dog. Ingesting 44mg of normal chocolate per pound of body weight is enough to provoke symptoms.

Common Side Effects

Dogs who eat even tiny amounts of chocolate may experience severe side effects, such as the following:

Hyperactivity

High levels of hyperactivity, shown through constant or compulsive movements, unfocused eyes, and frantic behavior, can be a result of the theobromine in chocolate.

Stomach Discomfort

Just a tiny amount of chocolate can upset a dog’s stomach, leading to diarrhea, bloating, vomiting, and appetite loss.

Diabetes and Pancreatitis

Long-term consumption of small, seemingly “harmless” amounts of chocolate can lead to highly increased risks of diabetes and pancreatitis.

Illness

A wide range of health issues can stem from chocolate ingestion for dogs, stemming from theobromine poisoning: cardiovascular issues, internal bleeding, seizures, incontinence, and more.

Complications

Chocolate poisoning itself is already bad, but it can lead to even more complications, like aspiration pneumonia, anxiety, and more.

Systems

Both the respiratory and circulatory systems can be harmed by chocolate consumption.

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