Chocolates: How Toxic Can They Be For Your Dog?

Article Title: Chocolates: How Toxic Can They Be For Your Dog?
Author: David P Lee

Very few would say they don't love chocolates. Did you know
that chocolate can be harmful to your pet dog? Chocolate can be
toxic, but exactly how much chocolate must be ingested before an
adverse reaction takes place?

Theobromine: The Offending Substance

A substance called theobromine is what makes chocolate a
dangerous food to dogs. Theobromine is a xanthine compound that
belongs to the same family that caffeine and theophylline do.

If your dog accidentally ingests chocolate, his reaction will
depend on the size of your dog, your dog's sensitivity, and how
much theobromine is present in the chocolate. Typically, your
dog will become quite ill if it ingests too much chocolate.

Concentration of Theobromine in Chocolate Allowable

- 1 oz. milk chocolate for every 1 lb of a dog's weight
- 1 oz. semi-sweet chocolate for every 3 lbs of a dog's weight
- 1 oz. Baker's chocolate for every 9 lbs of a dog's weight

Based on these figures, a 2 oz. serving of Baker's chocolate
poses a risk of adverse reaction to a 15-lb. dog, while 2 oz. of
milk chocolate may only result in mild digestive symptoms in the
same animal.

Signs of Chocolate Poisoning

Xanthine compounds like theobromine target the peripheral
nerves, central nervous system, and cardiovascular system.
Theobromine, like caffeine, is a diuretic so if your dog ingests
excessive amounts of chocolate high in theobromine
concentration, your dog will be vomiting, having diarrhea, and
urinating frequently in large amounts. Your dog will also be too
excitable and irritable. His heart rate will be high and he will
experience muscle tremors.

Treatment for Chocolate Poisoning

There is no known antidote to theobromine or xanthine poisoning
in dogs. However, there are a number of ways to arrest or lessen
their adverse effects both immediately and for the longer haul.
Activated charcoal may be administered to inhibit the absorption
of the offending substance, and anticonvulsants may be given to
control neurological symptoms. Oxygen therapy, intravenous
medications, drinking water and other fluids may be prescribed
by the veterinarian to protect the dog's heart.

If your dog ingests milk chocolate, he may have diarrhea, which
can last from 12 to 24 hours. Make sure that your dog is given
lots of water and other liquids so that he doesn't become
dehydrated. If your dog ingests chocolate and displays any of
the symptoms of chocolate poisoning, call the veterinarian right
away. He will be able to prescribe the best treatment for your
dog.

About The Author: http://www.DogHealthHome.com

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Allergies In Your Canine

Article Title: Allergies In Your Canine
Author: Lori Matthews

Just as humans experience an assortment of allergies, many
pets, such as a dog may experience an allergy as well. It is
agreed among professionals that specialize in the health of
dogs, that there are at least five specific allergy types that a
dog may experience in their lifetime. Common types of allergies
in dogs include food allergy, reactions to fleas, and various
forms of bacteria. A dog may also experience allergies that are
related to inhaling certain irritants. Then, there are many dogs
that may even suffer from allergies related to coming in contact
with certain materials such as plastic, certain types of plants,
and even grass.

When a dog experiences an allergy, they may display an
assortment of symptoms. One of the first signs that a dog owner
may recognize is that their pet seems to be scratching a lot.
When an allergy occurs, it is quite common for the dog to
experience a period of time in which their skin becomes
extremely itchy. The next symptom that is often recognized by
dog owners when their pet is experiencing an allergy is hair
loss. The hair loss may be localized to one spot on the body, or
it may occur in patches over the entire body.

As you can see, the skin of a dog usually becomes quite
sensitive when an allergy is experienced. Many pet owners will
see their dogs licking their paws quite often when an allergy is
occurring. This is a natural method that the dog uses in order
to soothe the symptoms and discomfort of the allergy that they
are experiencing. You may notice that your pet is starting to
experience redness, swelling, and rashes on the surface of their
skin when they are allergic to something. These symptoms are
quite common.

If a pet owner suspects that their dog is experiencing an
allergy, the first thing that they should do is research the
diet of the dog. There are many ingredients that are used in
various types of dog foods that may cause reactions in the pet.
Most of these ingredients are included in generic or cheap
versions of dog foods. Just as many humans ingest toxins as a
result of the way that particular foods are grown or processed,
dogs suffer from allergies as a result of foods that are
processed and created cheaply in order to sell the product at a
discounted price.

The digestive system of the dog is sensitive. It requires key
ingredients and nutrients in order to function appropriately.
When selecting food for your pet, it is important to select
premium foods that are loaded with "real" ingredients that can
provide the highest level of nutritional value possible. It is
vital to avoid foods that contain products such as wheat and
soy. If a dog experiences an allergy associated with generic
and/or processed ingredients, they may suffer from some very
uncomfortable symptoms.

Apart from skin irritation and discomfort, an allergy related
to poorly created food products can cause serious symptoms in a
dog. These symptoms include severe vomiting, an increased amount
of bowel movements each day that may become painful, and
diarrhea, itching in the area of the anus, dehydration, and even
seizures. Problems with the ears, such as infection and
inflammation, are another common and uncomfortable symptom
associated with food allergies in dogs.

If you are a pet owner, there are numerous ways that you can
help to prevent allergies in dogs. It is important to ensure
that you provide your animal with only the highest quality in
foods. A dog should receive food that contains ingredients that
are not processed. Having a diet with a high amount of
nutrients, vitamins, and important minerals will help to allow
your pet to remain healthy.

Certain test can be done at your vet's office or you may have
to go to a specialist. From there, numerous tests can be
performed to find the exact issue. Some tests will show certain
ingredients in food, ingredients in cleaning products, or dust
etc. It may be a process to weed out the exact cause but will be
worth it in the long run for the comfort of your pet and your
sanity.

About The Author: Lori Matthews studies health, nutrition and
wellness. She enjoys writing articles on health for both people
and pets. Please visit http://www.premium4pets.net for more
information.

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