For those of us who love adding any kind of food supplement e.g cocoa, choco milk, etc. to your pets food which could inadvertently be harmful to them, here is a new discovery:

Theobromine is the main reason Chocolate is so harmful to your pet’s system.

Theobromine is a toxic alkaloid stimulant akin to caffeine (they are chemically similar) that is found naturally in cocoa beans and thus in chocolate. The concentration of theobromine varies by the amount of cocoa used in the chocolate: dark chocolate and baker’s chocolate contain the most dangerous levels, but even white chocolate can cause problems for your pet.

Theobromine is a toxic compound, and the reason dogs and cats are so sensitive is because their bodies metabolize it more slowly than human bodies do, so a toxic dose can build up faster in their smaller systems. It can take your dog around 17 hours to completely excrete this chemical.

Dogs are more commonly affected by chocolate poisoning because they are more drawn to the sweet taste and thus tend to eat larger quantities than cats. But the compound is dangerous to both dogs and cats.


Chocolate Poisoning Signs


Frequent vomiting; you may see bits of undigested chocolate in the vomit

Extreme agitation

Drinking a lot of water

Seizures

Excessive drooling

Pale gums

Irregular pulse

Unconsciousness

Lack of coordination

Sudden collapse

Coma

N.B. Some gourmet dog products use carob as a chocolate “substitute.” In limited doses, carob safely provides the sweetness dogs seek out in chocolate without any of the health concerns. Carob does not contain theobromine or caffeine.


Thanks...

When next i have a Dog. I shall take note of this