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My Pet World: Chocolate can, indeed, be toxic for dogs and cats

By Steve Dale, Tribune Media Services on

Q: Is it true that chocolate is really bad for dogs? My dog got into some chocolate cookies several years ago but didn't seem to suffer any ill effects. Is this chocolate thing a myth? -- G.D., Miami, FL

A: Chocolate is indeed toxic to both dogs and cats. Chocolate is made from cocoa, and cocoa beans contain caffeine and a related chemical compound called theobromine, which is the real danger. The problem is, dogs metabolize theobromine much more slowly than people do. It builds up in their systems and can cause hyperactivity, tremors, high blood pressure, a rapid heart rate, seizures, respiratory failure, even cardiac arrest.

Cats and dogs have potentially the same response, but cats apparently aren't as interested in eating the stuff as dogs are.

I can't say for sure why your dog didn't become ill. I'm not endorsing chocolate for any dog, but one small chocolate chip cookie is not as likely to cause problems for a large dog as it might for a smaller pooch. Also, baking chocolate and dark chocolate contains more theobromine than sweeter chocolates.

In any case, be careful about leaving chocolates or chocolate-laced goodies out for Santa. (He doesn't need the calories anyway.)

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Q: Should I allow my cat to sip eggnog? I figure eggnog has lots of protein and my cat likes milk anyway. -- S.H., Cyberspace

A: I'm not sure where the tradition of feeding cats milk began, but believe it or not, some cats are lactose intolerant. Since many can tolerate milk just fine, I suppose occasionally lapping up just a little (2 percent or skim) milk once in a while isn't so bad. But eggnog? This holiday concoction, especially the store bought variety, is loaded with sugar. Instead, give your kitty a welcome treat that's sugar free and nearly calorie-free: catnip.

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Steve Dale's new ebooks, "Good Dog!" and "Good Cat!" are now available on all major eReader devices and platforms. The basic version of each book is $2.99. An enhanced version of "Good Dog!" with embedded videos is available at iTunes for $4.99 For details, check the "Good Dog!"Facebook page. Write to Steve at Tribune Media Services, 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, NY 14207. Send e-mail to PETWORLD(at)STEVE DALE.TV. Include your name, city and state. Steve's website is www.stevedalepetworld.com


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