Chocolate and dogs

[Rosanne]

Hey everyone!

First I must thank all of you for the mounds of information I glean daily from your board. I'm sure it will be a big help when we get our future dane buddy. (Date has not been finalized yet.)

Anyway, my question is: I know chocolate is bad for dogs, but exactly what part in the chemical make-up of chocolate is the danger? And is it found in any lesser-publicized foods?

Thank you very much, Rosanne

[Gus S]

The "toxic principle" in chocolate is a chemical called methylxanthine, it's related to caffeine and aminophyline. It's not acually a toxin or a poison per se but many dogs are hypersensitive to it. Some actually have an extreme allergic reaction but most sensitive dogs just become very hyperactive, like they drank too much coffee!! Almost any dog will easily become a "chocolate hound", after tasting it once, they seem to crave it and don't know when to stop. They are instant chocoholics! Maybe that's why I get along with dogs so well - I never met a chocolate I didn't like!!!!