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Why dogs can't eat chocolate
Dogs cannot eat chocolate mainly because it causes indigestion, affects normal breathing, increases the burden on the kidneys, and causes brain nerve damage. Chocolate contains a large amount of caffeine and cocoa butter, which are foods that dogs should not eat. If they eat it, it may cause life-threatening complications, affect normal physical development, and have a high mortality rate.
- Indigestion
Dogs have fragile digestive systems, and chocolate contains high amounts of caffeine and cocoa butter, which are high-sugar and high-fat foods. Eating chocolate can increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract, affect normal gastrointestinal peristalsis, and cause symptoms such as decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, and regurgitation. It can also affect the intake and absorption of other foods.
- Affecting normal breathing
When the cocoa bean extract in chocolate enters the bloodstream, it can paralyze the dog's respiratory center, causing rapid and difficult breathing, and even leading to hypoxia.
- Increased kidney burden
The cocoa bean extract in chocolate increases the burden on the dog's kidneys, affecting the normal functioning of the kidneys and leading to kidney damage. If not improved in time, it may cause acute kidney failure.
- Brain nerve damage
Chocolate is usually made by mixing cocoa powder and sugar, and it contains a high amount of caffeine. Eating chocolate can stimulate the nerve endings, keeping the brain in a state of excitement. In severe cases, it can cause nerve damage, leading to restlessness, drowsiness, and even threaten life.
If a dog eats chocolate, owners should closely observe their physical condition at all times. If there are no abnormal reactions, special treatment is not required. However, if abnormal symptoms appear, such as vomiting and rapid breathing, it is recommended to take the dog to the hospital for related checks as soon as possible. According to the examination results, the doctor will perform vomiting and gastric washing to alleviate the damage to the body.