The toxicity of chocolate to dogs really depends on the type and the amount of actual chocolate. The darker the chocolate the higher the amount of Caffeine and Theobromine in the chocolate. Remember that most commercial candies in the store are no longer using the fruit (beans) of the cacao tree or are adding so many other substances such as sugar that their toxicity is dramatically reduced.
"Theobromine, a component of chocolate, is a toxic compound in chocolate. Caffeine is also present in chocolate and a toxic component, but in much smaller amounts than Theobromine. Both Theobromine and Caffeine are members of a drug class called Methylxanines.
Theobromine and caffeine effects on the body:
* Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulant
* Cardiovascular stimulant
* Increase blood pressure (mild)
* Nausea and vomiting
SOURCE: http://adf.ly/486953/banner/vetmedicine.about.com/cs/nutritiondogs/a/chocolatetoxici.html
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