10/29/2022
There will be a lot of festivities this weekend remember to watch out for your fur babies and don't let them get the wrong kind of TREATS!
WHY PETS SHOULDN’T EAT CHOCOLATEWhy chocolate is bad for dogs (and cats)
The key to chocolate’s deadliness is two compounds — caffeine and theobromine. Of the two, theobromine is the greater issue. Both dogs and cats are very sensitive to the effects of theobromine and caffeine, which are rapidly absorbed through the digestive system. These compounds also can be reabsorbed from the small intestine and across the bladder wall, and returned to the bloodstream to recirculate again.
Chocolate poisoning tends to be more of a problem in dogs, primarily because cats aren’t usually attracted to chocolate. Plus, cats tend to be finickier about what they eat compared to many dogs, who will eat almost anything and as much as they can.
Suspect your dog ate chocolate? Call your veterinarian
If you think your pet has eaten chocolate, call your veterinarian, an emergency clinic or an animal poison control helpline immediately. Based on your pet’s weight and an estimate of the amount and type of chocolate consumed, a veterinary professional may be able to determine how much theobromine and caffeine was ingested, whether your dog is at risk for poisoning, and if a trip to the veterinary hospital is necessary.
