Is it True That Puppies Shouldn't Eat Chocolate?

The Easter holiday once again, is hopping around the corner. There will be children with their Easter baskets hunting for those oh so delicately designed and colored Easter eggs. They will also have an array of other goodies like candies, stuffed plush bunnies, chocolate eggs, and maybe one or two of my favorite, the ever so popular, solid milk chocolate, Easter bunny.

Chocolate Easter bunnies are not only great to have, they're good to eat, especially when you start with an ear, just make sure that your puppy doesn't get any. Puppies love to eat, and yes, like most of us, they too can have a sweet tooth. One should be very careful when eating chocolate around a puppy, because it is true, puppies shouldn't eat chocolate. Chocolate, as good as it is, can be very toxic for your little one.

What is it about chocolate that is so good for us yet harmful to our puppies or dogs? Chocolate contains many substances, some of which are said to be very helpful for the human body, yet one substance called theobromine, is the culprit that will cause negative effects on your puppy's health.

The theobromine chemical found in chocolate can be very toxic to puppies, because once digested, this chemical can stay in their bloodstream for up to 20 hours. Puppies are unable to get rid of this poison, it is not in their metabolism, so naturally the more chocolate they eat, the more poison they consume.

So, is it fitting to say, "Well, I'll just let my puppy have a little or just a taste?" A little will not hurt, but one shouldn't let a puppy get used to the taste, or use chocolate as a treat. This is a good time to remind all responsible dog owners the importance of obedience commands, and the fitting one here is the command "Leave It". Accidents do happen, so it is also wise to keep a close eye on your puppy at all times.

Chocolate, depending on the amount, can cause a wide variety of problems when accidentally eaten by your pet. One of the first signs will be excessive thirst and urination, diarrhea, and panting. It can cause hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and even death. If for any reason you think that your puppy has consumed any chocolate, please contact your vet as soon as possible.

Chocolate is one of the many food items that should be kept away from a puppy. Here are a few more foods that are poisonous to a puppy or a dog.


Alcoholic beverages
Avocado
Chocolate (all forms)
Coffee (all forms)
Fatty foods
Macadamia nuts
Moldy or spoiled foods
Onions, onion powder
Raisins and grapes
Salt
Yeast dough
Garlic
Products sweetened with xylitol