Unless we're lactose intolerant, most of us love nothing more than tucking into a delicious piece of promotional chocolate. While chocolate isn't particularly healthy to have in large doses, you can still enjoy a some as a treat or snack. For dogs, however, chocolate poses a considerable danger - which is why it's important to understand how chocolate is harmful to your favourite doggo.

Chocolate Can Be Harmful to Dogs - Be Careful

Chocolate might be tasty for dogs as well as humans, but because chocolate contains a combination of theobromine and caffeine, eating it can be not only harmful to dogs but deadly. It all comes down to what compounds cats and dogs can metabolise. Human bodies can break down theobromine easily, whereas cats and dogs have much slower metabolic processing rates for these particular chemicals. If your pet (primarily dogs, as cats tend to steer away from sweet foods as they can't taste them well) consumes chocolate, even a small amount can lead to illness.

Signs that your dog may have consumed chocolate can start with mild diarrhea and thirst, before moving upwards towards seizures and even heart attacks. These symptoms develop as their bodies try to break down the theobromine in the chocolate, only to have an increasingly toxic effect on the poor pooch. If you suspect your dog has consumed chocolate, it is important to get them to a vet as soon as possible. If caught early enough, the chocolate can be removed from their stomach with no lasting effects.

But the best way to protect your dog is to ensure they don't get anywhere near chocolate in the first place. If you're eating chocolate, don't share any with your dog no matter how sad they may look. If you've got chocolate stored in your home, ensure it's locked away or in a secure area where you dog cannot access it. Humans, enjoy your custom chocolate but cats and dogs should stick to their own pet treats!

Details first spotted here: http://mentalfloss.com/article/503661/why-cant-dogs-eat-chocolate