Chocolate Filled Hearts Make Valentine's Day Special

There are many adults that are aware of the negative affect that chocolate can have on a dog, however, some dog owners have never heard this before. Chocolate filled hearts make valentine's day special it is true, but we must be very careful when it comes to sharing this delicious treat with our dog.

Did you know that a two-ounce piece of chocolate can be extremely fatal to a dog? Why? Because a dog cannot digest theobromine which is a compound in chocolate. The bottom line, the same chocolate that has the so-called love drug in it that is said to make humans happy and giddy is a toxic poison for dogs.

Chocolate is made from seeds of the tropical cacao tree; the name for the seeds is theobroma cacao.

Theobromine is the active alkaloid found in theobroma cacao. Theobromine, although it is a xanthine compound that is in the family of caffeine, and theophylline, does not contain any caffeine. However, theobromine acts like caffeine because it stimulates the heart and nervous system. For a human this may make one feel a burst of energy, but for a dog the increased organic activity caused by the theobromine can be extremely harmful or even fatal.

Signs that your dog has eaten and is suffering from chocolate poisoning

Increased heart rate
Increased urination
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Hyper excitability
Muscle tremors
Irritability
Restlessness

If you think your dog has ingested chocolate, and is suffering from toxic poisoning take him to the Vet immediately. Induce vomiting only if your pet has not vomited, and does not have diarrhea because the poisoning itself has a diuretic effect. Diarrhea and vomiting can cause dehydration.

Children love to share their treats with the family pet, and dogs won't turn down a tasty treat because they are known to have a sweet tooth. The safest way for everyone, including the family dog, to enjoy Valentine's Day and all the different delicious chocolate treats that go with it is to keep those sweet treats away from your dog.

Parents can find healthy doggie treats for children to share with the dog for Valentine's day at most pet stores. Chocolate filled hearts make Valentine's Day special for humans, but chocolate is dangerous for our beloved four legged friends.