Chocolate is processed from cocoa beans and contains a variety of methylxanthine derivatives, including caffeine and theobromine. Chocolate contains theobromine, which will act on the central nervous system and heart muscle of puppies, thereby poisoning them. Both humans and cats can digest theobromine through metabolism, but dogs’ digestive systems do not have this function.

Competitive inhibition of cellular adenosine receptors

Intracellular Ca level = strength/contractility of bones and heart muscle

Competes for benzylamine receptors in the central nervous system and inhibits phosphodiesterase = cAMP

On the circulation of epinephrine and norepinephrine

【Different chocolate-methylxanthine concentrations】

Dry cocoa powder ~800 mg/oz (28.5 mg/g)

Sugar-free chocolate 450 mg/oz (16 mg/g)

Semi-sugar chocolate, sweet dark chocolate ~ 150-160 mg/oz (5.4-5.7 mg/g)

Milk chocolate ~ 64 mg/oz (2.3 mg/g)

Cocoa bean shells ~255 mg/oz (9.1 mg/g)

【Toxic dose of methylxanthine】

Mild poisoning is seen at ~20 mg/kg

Moderate to severe poisoning is seen above 40 mg/kg

Cardiotoxicity is seen at ~50mg/kg

Convulsions are seen above 60 mg/kg

As long as the dosage is greater than 40-45 mg/kg, the potential danger to life should be considered

The median lethal dose (theobromine and caffeine) = 100-200 (mg/kg) but there are individual differences. Even eating less than the 50% lethal dose of chocolate can cause death in animals.

Calculation method:

Based on the calculation of a 5 kg (10 catties) dog, after eating this 14g piece of milk chocolate, the intake is 2.3×14=32.2mg, which is 6.4mg/kg, which is far from 20mg/kg. It's a slightly toxic dose, so it won't be toxic. Calculated in this way, a 2-pound dog will be slightly poisoned if it eats this piece of chocolate. A 3-pound dog is near the critical value, 21.5mg/kg may cause poisoning symptoms, but a 4-pound dog is safe at 16.1 mg/kg. .

Warning: The above is a scientific calculation. Different chocolates contain different amounts of cocoa-like substances, so don’t try to do this experiment with your own dog. Once obvious symptoms of poisoning appear, please send to the hospital immediately.

【Poisoning symptoms】

CNS excitation central nervous system excitement

Tremors tremors

Excitement Excitement

Seizures convulsions

Cardiac stimulation cardiac stimulation

Dysrhythmias abnormal heart rhythm

Hypertension high blood pressure

Vomiting Vomiting