Why dogs should not be given chocolate?

Every owner loves his pet. A dog is a family member, almost a 5-7 year old child, so everyone wants to treat her to something tasty, such as candy or a slice of chocolate. But it is worth remembering that products that are normally transported by the human body, and even useful, can cause poisoning in dogs, if not fatal, then with serious consequences. Chocolate can, without hesitation, make this list.

Theobromine is a purine alkaloid, a nitrogen-containing substance found in cocoa beans. In medicine, it is used to treat bronchopulmonary diseases. In small doses it causes increased urination and stimulates the heart muscle. In large dosages, it initially stimulates and then inhibits the nervous system, dilates and constricts the vessels. Chocolate, thanks to theobromine, which gives a sense of artificial pleasure, always and all improves mood and helps to cope with stress.

And for a dog, it is poison that causes euphoria and highly addictive, and acts like a drug or alcohol. Theobromin acts equally on the host and his pet. The only difference is that a dog has a theobromine elimination period longer than a human, and is about 20 hours. During this period, the dog's body fully feels the toxic effect of chocolate.

In addition, caffeine is an alkaloid, in action it is similar to theobromine, but it is contained in much smaller quantities in chocolate. The dog is very excited, because of what the pet can become aggressive. It has a diuretic effect and causes persistent addiction. About the dangers of excess sugar and not talk. Obesity, allergies, accompanied by itching and dermatitis, and diabetes due to insulin production disorders - this is what awaits the animals, which the owners give sweets.

A large number of flavors - both artificial and chemical, also does not bring anything good to the dog. And raisins in chocolate can also cause poisoning or provoke kidney disease in the dog. For a small breed dog 10-15 grams will be enough.

Even after examining the properties of the substances that make up the chocolate, the owners will meet, who will say: “But it’s unlikely that something will happen from a small piece of chocolate”. Maybe it will not happen, but it’s not worth experimenting with your pet, since different types of chocolate contain different amounts of theobromine, which causes poisoning. The amount of theobromine directly depends on the amount of cocoa in chocolate, and the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is for the dog.

For example, per 100 grams:

• white chocolate - 3.5 grams;
• milk chocolate - 150-200 grams;
• dark bitter chocolate (60,70,85% cocoa) - from 490 to 800 grams;
• chocolate for baking - 1350 grams.

According to the described example, it is clear that a small dog will have enough slices of milk chocolate.

Scientists from America, after conducting a study, found that The first signs of poisoning can begin as soon as the theobromine ratio is 20 mg / kg of animal weight, and is most often accompanied by intestinal disorders.

Sweets with chocolate, marshmallows, chocolates and chocolate bars in their composition contain less cocoa products, respectively, and a smaller amount of a dangerous substance, but it is still more than in white chocolate. However, there is another trick here. Such goodies are very sweet and fatty, and can lead to the following diseases: pancreatitis, diabetes, kidney failure, obesity and heart disease.

The first symptoms can appear as early as 3 hours after the dog has pulled off and eaten chocolate.

Here you should pay attention to the following points:

• the animal is excessively active: the pet barks unreasonably, moves from corner to corner, looking for a quiet place, lies down, but immediately gets up and runs;
• there are digestive disorders, vomiting and diarrhea;
• there is an increase in local temperature;
• the animal is trembling;
• heart palpitations;
• increased urination, blood may be present in the urine;
• the symptoms described may be accompanied by a lack of coordination.

If you notice or guess that your pet has eaten chocolate, immediately go with him to the veterinary clinic. The sooner your pet is given first aid, the higher the probability of avoiding the effects of poisoning. If signs of deterioration have already appeared, and the animal began to vomit, don't stop her.

It is necessary to wait until the emetic masses contain food particles in their composition, and only after that take advantage of “Polysorb”, “Zoonorm” or “Enterosgel”. Then you should go to the veterinary specialist, who will take the tests and prescribe treatment. Turning to the veterinary clinic for 2-4 hours, you can hope for a complete recovery of the dog. In other cases, possible complications or death.

If your pet loves chocolate, you can replace it with a dog. Chocolate for dogs is made from the fruit of the carob tree, they are a source of inulin, which is useful for digestion. The sweetness of the delicacy comes from stevia, which diabetics use as a sweetener. And palm kernel oil and whey help the body to be in good shape. All ingredients are completely safe and do not cause allergies.

Lecithin and vitamin complex will be very useful for immunity. Blood albumin normalizes metabolism and will have a positive effect on the hematopoietic system.

You can treat a dog with fruits and berries, especially since many four-legged people love them very much. They are harmless to the dog, and will become a source of vitamins. From fruits and berries you can give watermelon, apple, pear and apricots. The main thing is not to experiment with exotic. It is recommended to take a bit of dried meat cut into thin slices for a walk and encourage the dog to correctly execute commands. In addition, for sure during a walk you will see a pet shop, which sells ready-made and useful delicacies.

Thus, it can be verified that You can't give chocolate to a dog. Even a small wedge can contribute to poisoning, and you will still be reproaching yourself for a minute of weakness. You should not indulge the whims of a pet, because his health depends on it. Moreover, today there are many tasty and healthy products designed to replace the harmful delicacy.

About what products are harmful to the dog, see the following video.