CHOCOLATE for Pets. Yes or NO?

Hello, animal lovers and protectors!

Today, we are going to address a very important topic that requires all of our attention: the reason why we should NOT give chocolate to our beloved pets, whether they dogs or cats.

Although it's a treat for us humans, chocolate can be extremely harmful to the health of our furry companions.

Chocolate poisoning is a serious danger for dogs and cats, and it's important to understand the reasons behind it. Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, which dogs and cats have difficulty metabolizing, leading to unwanted consequences.

Theobromine is a primary alkaloid from the methylxanthine family and a "relative" of caffeine. It acts as a stimulant, affecting the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system of animals (stimulating their heart rate and central nervous system). Due to their slower metabolic rate, any dosage of theobromine can poison them, as they can't tolerate more than 150 mg/kg of the alkaloid. Since milk chocolate contains about 154 mg/100g of the substance, and dark chocolate contains about 528 mg/100g, intoxication is a real danger.

When ingested, theobromine can cause a series of concerning symptoms, such as:

- Vomiting

- Diarrhea

- Restlessness and agitation

- Muscle tremors

- Increased heart rate

In more severe cases, intoxication can lead to:

- Seizures

- Cardiac arrhythmias

- Respiratory problems

- Death of the animal

The signs of intoxication are observed between 6 to 12 hours after ingestion. The severity of the symptoms depends on the type of chocolate consumed, the amount ingested, and the size of the animal. Dark chocolate and cocoa powder have higher concentrations of theobromine, making them even more dangerous for our furry companions.

It's essential to understand that chocolate poisoning is not something that resolves on its own, and in case of suspicion of chocolate ingestion by the animal, it's crucial to seek immediate veterinary assistance. Never attempt to treat your pet at home without professional guidance, as each case requires a specific approach.

But we don't need to deprive our little friends of special moments! There are safe and delicious alternatives that we can offer them as treats. Here are some options for sweets that our pets can consume without any problems:

Biscuits and pet treats:

Nowadays, there are numerous options of biscuits and pet treats specially developed for dogs and cats, which are tasty and safe for them. Soon, we will post homemade recipes for biscuits and treats for our pets.

Fresh fruits:

Vegetables:

Ice cream for pets:

We hope this post has been useful and enlightening. Share this important message with your friends and family, so more people become aware of the dangers of chocolate for pets. Let's work together for the well-being of animals! Until next time!