CHOCOLATE CAN KILL YOUR DOG!NEW YORK -- The National Canine Defense League, The American SPCA and the Royal SPCA warn that many pets - especially dogs - should NEVER be given chocolate.Chocolate contains a toxic chemical called theobromine. Although the chemical is harmless to humans, it can kill dogs if eaten in large quantities. Chocolate poising symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, urinary incontinence, hyperactivity, rapid breathing, rapid heartbeat, muscle tremors, seizures, coma and disorientation. Milk chocolate is the least harmful; cocoa powder the worst ... but metabolisms vary from dog to dog, and a single dog's resistance to theobromine can vary greatly over its lifetime. Therefore, the best assurance is to NEVER allow a dog to eat chocolate. The toxin has been known to affect or kill cats, birds, rodents and reptiles as well. Pets who frequently eat chocolate may not show symptoms of poisoning, but may be subject to future liver, pancreas and kidney failure as well as neurological disorders. Owners who suspect their pet has been poisoned by chocolate should contact a vet immediately.
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