what exactly does chocolate do to dogs ?

why can't dogs eat chocolate? what does it do to thier digestive tract? what is the chemical that hurts them? and why can humans process it without complication?

Here is why : Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs

The truth is chocolate contains theobromine that is toxic to dogs in sufficient quantities. This is a xanthine compound in the same family of caffeine, and theophylline.The good news is that it takes, on average, a fairly large amount of theobromine 100-150 mg/kg to cause a toxic reaction. Although there are variables to consider like the individual sensitivity, animal size and chocolate concentration.On average,Milk chocolate contains 44 mg of theobromine per oz.Semisweet chocolate contains 150mg/oz.Baker's chocolate 390mg/oz.Using a dose of 100 mg/kg as the toxic dose it comes out roughly as:1 ounce per 1 pound of body weight for Milk chocolate1 ounce per 3 pounds of body weight for Semisweet chocolate1 ounce per 9 pounds of body weight for Baker's chocolate.So, for example, 2 oz. of Baker's chocolate can cause great risk to an 15 lb. dog. Yet, 2 oz. of Milk chocolate usually will only cause digestive problems.Clinical SignsXanthines affect the nervous system, cardiovascular system and peripheral nerves. It has a diuretic effect as well. Clinical signs: Hyper excitability Hyper irritability Increased heart rate Restlessness Increased urination Muscle tremors Vomiting DiarrheaTreatmentThere is no specific antidote for this poisoning. And the half life of the toxin is 17.5 hours in dogs. Induce vomiting in the first 1-2 hours if the quantity is unknown. Administering activated charcoal may inhibit absorption of the toxin. An anticonvulsant might be indicated if neurological signs are present and needs to be controlled. Oxygen therapy, intravenous medications, and fluids might be needed to protect the heart.Milk chocolate will often cause diarrhea 12-24 hours after ingestion. This should be treated symptomatically (fluids, etc..) to prevent dehydration.If you suspect your pet has ingested chocolate contact your Vet immediately! They can help you determine the the proper treatment for your pet.http://www.talktothevet.com/ARTICLES/DOGS/chocolatetoxic.HTM

It's poisonous to everything. Fatal dose for a human is about 22lbs apparently, but you'd probably die more of excess blood sugar or a ruptured bowel! I'm told that a single M&M could kill a small bird.

It is poison to dogs. Humans just think they are doing great with chocolate, I think. We, humans, know it breaks us out, makes us fat, and hurts our teeth. Still, dogs and humans, alike, crave chocolate.........for the wonderful feeling of 'being loved' that chocolate can give.

First off, it takes a fairly large amount for any kind of chocolate to be toxic. And you also need to factor in the size, weight and sensitivity of the dog and the kind of chocolate it ate. Theobromine is the chemical that can harm them. Hyper excitability, hyper irritability, increased heart rate, restlessness, increased urination, muscle tremors, vomiting and diarrhea are all symptoms that your dog as eaten too much chocolate. Milk chocolate is not as bad as say dark chocolate, so it would take a lot less of the dark or bakers chocolate to harm your dog. If your dog ever does come in to contact with a large amount, hydrogen peroxide mixed with water is a good to use, make sure they drink water. Dogs get extremely dehydrated when they eat chocolate, which is one of the main side effects that kills them. Contact an emergency vet asap, you should have a number in cell or near house phone at all times in my opinion! The reason humans can ingest chocolate without complications is because we simply are made differently than a dog. I hope this helps you out!

Chocolate give dogs worms. Worms are those little things that eats your food and other stuff in your body. They also deplicate really fast and lay eggs in your fat. Then pretty soon you poop them out and see little worms.