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Can My Dog Eat Chocolate?

Answer:
NO! A dog should NOT eat

chocolate. Even a small amount of chocolate can make a dog very sick – and in some cases it could result in death. For dogs, chocolate is poison.

Chocolate contains a chemical called “theobromine”that is toxic to dogs. Theobromine is a stimulant comparable to caffeine. Although it is harmless to people, it can cause a dog to have health problems such as heart rhythm difficulties and may affect their central nervous system.

The amount of theobromine in chocolate that it takes to poison your dog varies depending on the type of chocolate. White chocolate has the least amount of stimulants while the highest amount is found in baking chocolate. Toxicity level also depends on how much a dog weighs and how much chocolate was consumed. If toxic levels have not been reached, your dog may experience vomiting or diarrhea.

If toxic levels have been reached you may notice your dog having such symptoms as muscle twitching, increased urination, excessive panting, hyperactivity or restlessness.

If you believe your pet has eaten enough chocolate to reach toxic levels you should immediately contact your veterinarian.


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