Can my dog have Chocolate?

As hard and punishing as it may sound, dogs are not allowed to eat chocolate. In fact, chocolate is strictly forbidden for dogs. Chocolate contains a group of substances called methylxanthines (caffeine and theobromine). When digested, methylxantines have several effects on the body. Those effects inlcude:
• Increasing the elimination of fluids from the body
• Stimulating the heart to work stronger and faster
• Decreasing the general blood pressure by making blood vessels larger in diameter
• Relaxing smooth muscles.

Methylxantines have the same effects in both humans and dogs. however, humans can break them down faster, while dogs metabolize them more slowly, thus increasing their chances of causing harmful consequences.

It is interesting to mention that different types of chocolate contain different amounts of methylxanthines. In general, the darker and more bitter the chocolate the more danger it holds. For example, milk chocolate is toxic if ingested in amounts of 0.7 ounces per pound of body weight. Semi-sweet chocolate if ingested in amounts of 0.3 ounces per pound of body weight. Dark chocolate if ingested in amounts of 0.1 ounces per pound of body weight.