There is never enough information with regards to keeping out pets healthy. Sometimes there are some no-no’s we insist on doing just because there are no discernible effects. Humans and dogs share a bond strong like friendship. Since it is common for pet owners to treat their dogs literally like a person, it follows that our errors are because of our disregard.

Sadly some of the foods we enjoy eating cannot be given to our beloved pets. Sure, little Spot seems to like it…and he sure does look cute eating sticky chocolate…Dogs do love the flavor of chocolate, but in ample doses this is poison. Dogs, Cats and Horses have the same reaction to the chemicals found in this tasty treat. Three components in chocolate that are lethal are theobromine, caffeine and theophylline. Your pet does not digest theobromine, a chemical stimulant; it can stay in the bloodstream for 20 hours. Caffeine, increases blood pressure, disturbs the normal function of the central nervous system, and speeds up heart and lung action. Theophylline, also used as a drug for asthmatics, lowers blood pressure. Side effects of this drug range from diarrhea, frequent urination, and headaches. Together, these three components of chocolate cause damage and side effects contradictory to each other. Just imagine the effect on a dog’s body; its body does not breakdown this lethal “cocktail”.

Unfortunately, discomfort is the least of the pet owners problem. While writing this, I recall our family friend’s dog, ” Taffeta”. She loved chocolates too much, that she had learned to sniff out some in your pocket and bully you with cute-ness to give her some. Six years ago she showed symptoms of palpitation, shortness of breath. This was said to be signs of old age and thyroid sickness. Two years after that, she suddenly dies. I wonder if she’d be alive today if we’d not make her addicted to chocolates.