Can dogs eat chocolate?

Dogs cannot eat chocolate because it contains caffeine and theobromine, which can cause poisoning when a dog ingests a certain amount. Clinical symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, increased heart rate, excitement, and seizures. In severe cases, it can lead to heart failure or nerve damage. Therefore, never feed chocolate to your dog. If your dog accidentally eats chocolate, prompt vomiting is necessary and take it to the vet for treatment.

Solutions

Since there is no specific antidote for chocolate poisoning, symptomatic treatment is generally adopted. If a dog owner discovers that their dog has eaten chocolate or other chocolate-containing foods, they should immediately administer soap water or diluted hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting and take the dog to the vet as soon as possible to avoid delays in treatment.

Precautions

In daily life, dog owners must securely store foods that can cause poisoning and place them out of the dog's reach to prevent accidental consumption. Examples include chocolate, onions, garlic, chili peppers, grapes, avocados, and cherries. If your dog has a habit of rummaging through the trash, consider using covered trash cans and dispose of waste promptly.