Everyone knows you aren’t supposed to feed your pets
chocolate, but do you know what amounts and types of chocolate are more
dangerous to our furry friends?
Chocolate contains a chemical compound called
theobromine. This mild stimulant shares similarities with caffeine. Although
harmless to humans, theobromine has a far more potent effect on cats and dogs.
The average human would have to consume over 70 pounds of chocolate to
experience the same lethal effects theobromine has on dogs and cats.
The effects of theobromine by cats and dogs can vary based on the amount and type of chocolate consumed. White and milk chocolate contain lower levels of theobromine, than darker chocolate. Unsweetened cocoa powder contains the highest percentage of theobromine. According to petmd.com, “8 ounces of milk chocolate may sicken a 50-pound dog, whereas a dog of the same size can be poisoned by as little as 1 ounce of baker’s chocolate.”
The effects of theobromine by cats and dogs can vary based on the amount and type of chocolate consumed. White and milk chocolate contain lower levels of theobromine, than darker chocolate. Unsweetened cocoa powder contains the highest percentage of theobromine. According to petmd.com, “8 ounces of milk chocolate may sicken a 50-pound dog, whereas a dog of the same size can be poisoned by as little as 1 ounce of baker’s chocolate.”
If you’ve heard that chocolate is harmful to dogs, most
likely you’ve also heard tales of pets who got their paws on a pan of chocolate
cookies or polished off a box of chocolates and “hey, they were fine!”
Petmd.com offers an interactive chocolate toxicity meter for dog owners to
enter in their dog’s weight as well as the type and amount of chocolate their
pet consumed to determine toxicity levels. Even if a pet is not showing
symptoms directly after consuming chocolate, it is important to keep a close
watch on the animal and make an emergency veterinary visit if toxicity levels
are considered moderate to severe.
During the holidays, when pet owners are likely to have
chocolate within paws reach (e.g., chocolate chip cookies cooling on the
counter or a box of chocolates under the Christmas tree), it may be a good time
to remind customers to take precautions around their pets and offer safe, chocolate-free
holiday treats for pet lovers shopping your store.
RCI member,
Boehm’s Candies & Chocolates of Issaquah, WA offers 1.5-ounce dog treats
dipped in peanut butter or white confectionery coating. These treats are safe
for dogs and do not contain actual chocolate.
RCI member, Bomboy’s Home Made Candy of Havre De Grace,
MD sells Vanilla-Dipped Dog Bones for man’s best friend.
Give pet
lovers a reason to shop in your store this holiday season by posting photos of
your animal-friendly treats on social media. Even a small holiday-inspired
display in your store will encourage visitors to include Fido in the holiday
festivities.
