Why is chocolate bad for pets?
It is hard to comprehend how something like chocolate, which is healthy to humans in moderate amounts, can be so dangerous for dogs and cats. But, don’t be tempted to even give them a taste. Chocolate can contain high amounts of fat and stimulants known as methylxanthines. When a dog eats chocolate in significant amounts they can experience a variety of symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst, urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death in severe cases. Dark chocolate contains the greatest amount of methylxanthine and only 2 ounces of baking chocolate can cause problems in a 10-pound dog. Although cats are not as likely to seek out chocolate the way dogs do, given its toxic potential, it is still important that they not be given chocolate either. If a large dog consumes a small amount of chocolate, he may have nothing more than a belly ache. But, smaller animals can be at greater risk. If your pet has consumed chocolate, or
