Why do dogs die when they eat chocolate?

Answer 1

Dogs' digestive systems can't digest some chemicals in chocolate. They don't necessarily die every time, but they do get sick.

The affect of chocolate on a pet however can be very very unpredictable. Sometimes a little bit can be fatal.

Here are some additional details:

Chocolate contains substance known as theobromine that is difficult for dogs and other non-human animals to metabolized. I can be fatal to dogs, cats, horses, ferrets, bird and other pets, according to the Ontario Canada, SPCA.

The dog or animal should be induced to vomit because the theobromine in chocolate is toxic to some animals even though it is safe for human consumption.

The dog or other pet should then be rushed to the vet because the theobromine and other stimulants in chocolate can induce a fatal heart arrhythmia in some non-human animals. The dog may or may not need to have its stomach pump, but a vet needs to make that determination.

Cooking chocolate is the most toxic, followed by Dark Chocolate, followed by milk and white chocolate

Here is link to an article that notes the reason's why chocolate is toxic on page three and it notes the other animals for which chocolate is toxic

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/410506/why_chocolate_makes_a_healthier_treat.html?cat=51

Answer 2

It depends how large the dog is and what kind of chocolate it is. With just a few candy bars the chocolate will hardly have an effect however unsweetened Baking Chocolate is very dangerous.