WHAT'S THE CONNECT BETWEEN CHOCOLATES AND PETS AT HOME

 

 

To love, and to like many things in our daily life is so exhilarating and enjoyable. The most common thing that we all like mostly is chocolates and pets we own. That too with whole lot of variety of chocolates available around the global and the celebration of world chocolate day bring zing and zest to crave for more chocolates.

 But our two loves, love each other?  Can we share our chocolates with our pets?

 As many of us know that though they like each other also, it’s not safe for the pet.

BE aware and alert

 Although many people are aware that dogs can't eat chocolate, it is actually a very common intolerance for most mammals. From ferrets to pigs, cats to poultry, accidental ingestion of large amounts of the cocoa-based product could result in chocolate toxicity, which can be fatal.

 Chocolate contains two substances called theobromine and caffeine, which are harmless for humans but toxic for dogs, cats and rabbits as they struggle to metabolise them. Dogs are especially at risk of chocolate poisoning as cats are usually too discriminating to eat large amounts of chocolate.

 Chocolate contains cocoa, and cocoa contains the compound theobromine. Theobromine is toxic to dogs and other animals at certain doses. Chocolate poisoning is a problem that occurs mainly in dogs but also occurs occasionally in cats or other animals.

 Chocolate is toxic to dogs because it contains theobromine and to a lesser extent, caffeine. Humans metabolize theobromine easily, but dogs don't. Dogs process theobromine and caffeine slowly, which allows these toxic compounds to build up in their systems and cause clinical signs associated with chocolate toxicity.

 Clinical signs depend on the amount and type of chocolate ingested. For many dogs, the most common clinical signs are vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, panting or restlessness, excessive urination, and racing heart rate. In severe cases, symptoms can include muscle tremors, seizures, and heart failure.

 Even if your dog doesn't get sick from eating small amounts of chocolate however, it's still best that they avoid it. One study found that repeated theobromine exposure led to the development of cardiomyopathy (a chronic disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood) in dogs.

 

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE:

No, dogs can't eat chocolate. Although not all canines are as susceptible to becoming ill from eating chocolate, it isn't good for any dog. Feeding your dog some of your Easter egg as a treat will probably have the opposite effect that you intend, and can result in some hefty vet bills.

 If your dog eats chocolate, you should monitor them closely and seek veterinary attention if they show any symptoms, or if they are very young, pregnant or have other health concerns.

 ESPECIALLY DOGS ARE AT HIGH RISK:

Chocolate toxicosis may result in potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and CNS dysfunction in animals. Chocolate poisoning occurs most commonly in dogs, although many species are susceptible. Contributing factors include indiscriminate eating habits and readily available sources of chocolate.

 IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT:

In most cases of chocolate poisoning, your vet will initially make your dog vomit, wash out their stomach and then feed them activated charcoal to absorb any Theobromine left in the intestine. Please do not be tempted to make your dog vomit yourself, this should be done by your vet in a controlled manner.

 DOG SAFE CHOCOLATE ALTERNATIVE:

Since carob is similar to chocolate and doesn't contain caffeine or theobromine it is a safe alternative to chocolate that your dog will love! Carob is one of the most popular dog-safe alternatives to chocolate because of the similarity between the carob bean and the cocoa bean. Reach here to know about the chocolate alternatives.

 CHOCOLATES FOR BIRDS:

However, even in very small amounts, chocolate can be toxic to birds. Chocolate contains both theobromine and caffeine which can cause vomiting and diarrhea, increase heart rate, result in hyperactivity, induce tremors and seizures, and even cause death in birds.

 

 In addition, many of the foods that humans enjoy, such as chocolate, are toxic to wildlife and can cause serious health problems or even death.

 So just think before you feed your pet or any other animal.

(This blogpost is a part of Blogaberry Creative Challenge for the month of March under the theme: CHOCOLATE)