Theobromine
Theobromine, formerly known as xantheose, is a bitter alkaloid of the cacao plant, with the chemical formula C₇H₈N₄O₂. It is found in chocolate, as well as in a number of other foods, including the leaves of the tea plant, and the kola nut. It is classified as a xanthine alkaloid, others of which include theophylline and caffeine. Caffeine differs from the compounds in that it has an extra methyl group.
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.Subsequently, question is,How does chocolate affect a dog’s health?
If they eat chocolate, the theobromine can remain in their bloodstreams for days, and dogs may experience fast heart rate, severe diarrhea, epileptic seizures, heart attacks, internal bleeding, and eventually death.
Consequently,How dangerous is it for a dog to eat chocolate?
Dogs should not ingest chocolate in any amount or form. The ingredients in chocolate can lead to deadly side effects like heart attack and seizures.
People also ask,Is chocolate really toxic or bad for dogs?
Chocolate for dogs is not only harmful but sometimes very dangerous . Experts state that chocolate is toxic to dogs because it contains substances known as methylxanthines, specifically caffeine and theobromine. Dogs metabolize or break down, theobromine much slower than humans. Eventually, this can result in pancreatitis in dogs.
Is it true that dogs can die from eating chocolate?
Chocolate is toxic to dogs. Despite being a tasty treat for people, ingesting even the smallest amount can be extremely hazardous to your dogs’ health. In rare cases, dogs can die from eating chocolate. If your dog ate chocolate, contact your veterinarian, an emergency veterinarian, or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 (a fee applies).