Why Dogs Can't Eat Chocolate - By: Dr. Dawn Ruben

Halloween and the temptation of chocolate is everywhere this time of year. But our dogs should not eat any chocolate because for them, chocolate is poison.

In addition to a high fat content, chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, two different types of stimulants that affect the central nervous system and the heart muscle, as well as increasing the frequency of urination.

Six ounces of semi-sweet chocolate can be toxic to the nervous system of a 20-pound dog. The worst a Hershey bar can do to you is add an inch to your hips. But that same candy – even in relatively small amounts – can make a dog very sick.

Symptoms of Poisoning
If your 50-pound dog gets his paws on a single chocolate-chip cookie, it probably won't cause him serious problems. However, if he gobbles up more – a pan of brownies, say – he may develop vomiting or diarrhea.

Once toxic levels are reached, the stimulants kick in, and this is when you really have to worry. Symptoms include: restlessness, hyperactivity, muscle twitching, increased urination and/or excessive panting. If your pet isn't treated, he could go into a seizure – possibly even die.

How Much Is Toxic?
The amount of chocolate that it takes to poison your pet depends on the type of chocolate he's eaten and his weight. White chocolate has the least amount of stimulants and baking chocolate or cocoa beans have the highest. Here is a list of the most common sources of chocolate and the amount that leads to toxicity:

White Chocolate. Mild signs of toxicity can occur when 45 ounces per pound of body weight is ingested. Severe toxicity occurs when 90 ounces per pound of body weight in ingested. This means that a 20-pound dog would need to ingest at least 55 pounds of white chocolate to cause nervous system signs. A 10-pound cat would need to ingest 27 pounds. Yes, that is twenty seven pounds! White chocolate has very little real chocolate in it. Therefore, the levels of caffeine and theobromine are very low. Tremendous amounts of white chocolate need to be ingested in order to cause toxic signs from chocolate. It is highly unlikely that white chocolate ingestion will result in the toxic neurologic signs but, the severe gastrointestinal effects from a high fat food develop with much less white chocolate ingestion.

Milk Chocolate. Mild signs of toxicity can occur when 0.7 ounces per pound of body weight is ingested. Severe signs occur when 2 ounces per pound of body weight is ingested. This means that a little less than one pound of milk chocolate can be toxic to the nervous system of a 20-pound dog. A 10-pound cat would need to ingest 1/2 pound.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate. Mild signs of toxicity can occur when 1/3 ounce per pound of body weight is ingested. Severe signs occur when 1 ounce per pound of body weight is ingested. This means that as little as 6 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate can be toxic to the nervous system of a 20-pound dog. A 10-pound cat would need to ingest 3 ounces.

Baking Chocolate. Mild signs of toxicity can occur when 0.1 ounce per pound of body weight is ingested. Severe signs occur when 0.3 ounce per pound of body weight is ingested. Two small one-ounce squares of baking chocolate can be toxic to a 20-pound dog. A 10-pound cat would need to ingest 1 ounce of baking chocolate. This type of chocolate has the highest concentration of caffeine and theobromine and very little needs to be ingested before signs of illness become apparent.

Even if your pet doesn't eat enough chocolate to induce toxicity, the candy's high fat content may cause him to vomit or have diarrhea at much smaller amounts than those shown. If that happens, watch him carefully. If his symptoms don't clear up within eight hours, call your veterinarian (if your pet is very small or young, call within four hours); aside from toxicity issues, you don't want the animal to dehydrate. Try to be as precise as you can about the type of chocolate the animal ate, how much he took and approximately when he ate it.

The sooner you get help, the better off your pet will be. If the animal is showing signs of toxicity, he has a good prognosis if he's treated within four to six hours of ingestion. The effects of the chocolate can linger for 12 to 36 hours, though, so your pet may require hospitalization.

Is a Great Dane the Best Choice For Your Home

"Marmaduke" is a great family show, but don't pick a dog for your home just because it's cute when you saw the movie..."Marmaduke".

“The Great Dane Club of America hopes that anyone who sees this movie and becomes interested in having a Great Dane as a pet does their research to make sure it’s the right breed for their lifestyle,” said Dave Miller, President of the Great Dane Club of America.

For those looking to add a Great Dane to their home, AKC recommends that potential dog owners contact the Great Dane Club of America to obtain information about responsible breeders in their area.

New Off-Leash Dog Park to Open in Denver

A new, off-leash dog park, Railyard Dog Park, will open in Denver by Labor Day. The Railyard Dog Park near downtown will be landscaped along the edges and will include trees, decorated pee posts, a shade structure and separate play areas for small and large dogs.

Riverfront Park Community Foundation has issued a challenge grant; for every dollar that is raised between now and Labor Day, they will match it dollar for dollar, up to $42,000, and that will be a loan that does not have to be payed back! The Foundation has been a huge supporter of this park, contributing almost half of the funds to build it.

Get more details on the park, how you can donate, future fundraisers and ways to participate at railyarddogs.org

What is your pet eating?

Results from a recent Harris Interactive survey found that 77% of dogs and cats eat crumbs off the floor and that 23% of cats and 16% of dogs drink from the toilet. So be sure that you do not have anything harmful drop on the floor that could be ingested by your pet, including tobacco and medicines. Also be careful of what type of floor cleaners you use.

When using toilet cleaners be sure and use non-toxic ones (read the label) or keep the lid down on the toilet.

Doggy RIP: Cesar Millan's Pit Bull Daddy passes away

Daddy, Cesar Millan's beloved pet, died peacefully surrounded by family at the age of 16, according to the press wire. Daddy was a key fixture in the National Geographic Channel television series Dog Whisperer. He assisted Millan with his toughest cases, interacting with and calming the most unmanageable dogs with his natural balanced energy.

Pet dog grabs a big award at Westminster Dog Show

A papillon named Jaca, purchased as just a pet, won an award of merit at the Westminster Dog Show. The pet's owner, Tylia Smith, took a chance and entered Jaca because he was so beautiful. So who knows, maybe your furry friend might be the next award winner!

Walking the Walk

Volunteers for the Table Mountain Animal Center (CO) take shelter dogs for walks to keep dogs healthy and socialized. They are part of the PHAT program (Psychology, Health and Training Program).

The AKC Welcomes Mutts to their Club

Read how the American Kennel Club will open their performance events of Obedience, Rally and Agility up to mixed breeds on April 1. Mixed breeds will compete in the same classes and earn the same titles as their purebred counterparts.

Iraq GI's missing dog found in Jefferson County, Colorado

It is so heart warming to read about animals that have been reunited with their families:

Heidi, the Iraqi mutt missing since Tuesday, was found safe Saturday by Julie Flint, the mother of 25-year-old Colorado Army National Guard Spec. Shawn Flint, the dog's guardian.

Heidi was found about 8 miles from the Flint family home on South Coors Street near West Quincy Avenue and C-470, Flint said in an e-mail sent to The Denver Post.

"No words can describe my emotions right now," Flint wrote.

Officers at Jefferson County Animal Control were also elated at the good news.

Two to three officers per shift had searched since Thursday for the dog, setting out one cage that they filled with Pop-Tarts and a bowl of mocha coffee in hopes of enticing the pooch inside.

Flint had told animal officials about the dog's love for blueberry Pop-Tarts, muffins and mocha (as well as cheese).

"We talked to everybody about the dog and we're really happy she was found," Officer Sharon Wright said.

Heidi was just a stray pup roaming around the gate of Camp Ar Ramadi, about 70 miles west of Baghdad, when soldiers took her in.

Spec. Flint, a 2003 graduate of Bear Creek High School, took over the care of Heidi soon after he was deployed to the base along the Euphrates River in August. He is scheduled to come home in May, his mother said.

Operation Baghdad Pups, run by SPCA International, helped fly the dog to Denver, but just a few minutes after arriving at her new Colorado home, Heidi bolted out the door, after wiggling out of her collar and leash.

Annette Espinoza: 303-954-1655 or aespinoza@denverpost.com Denver Post staff writer Joey Bunch contributed to this report.

Is the Lab still #1 favorite breed-cast your vote

Here's a graphic of the 10 most popular breeds in the USA, according to the American Kennel Club. We want to know which is most popular according to you, so cast your vote!

108 charges alleged in Park Co. sled dog case

Last month, the Park County Sheriff's Department will recommend that 108 counts of animal cruelty be filed against the owners of the Pawsatrak Racing Sled Dog Kennel near Hartsel, CO.

State and Park County investigators removed a total of about 100 dogs, all of whom were neglected and starving.

"The facility itself was appropriate for the type of dogs because this breed is well suited for the weather. The problem is that proper nutrition was not provided," said Anderson. "Overall, the dogs seemed to have good temperaments and are very friendly."

Read entire article

Denver Residents Torn on Dog Rules

Denver Parks and Recreation is proposing off-leash dog hours at City Park and up to two more dog park locations at Cook and Vanderbilt parks.

The draft Dog Park Master Plan was released last week in response to complaints that more enforcement is needed to keep dogs on leashes at parks, and in turn, dog owners who are being ticketed complaining there aren't enough places to let Fido run.

If you live in Denver, read the entire article to learn about possible fines and generating revenue for the City of Denver.

Send your car to the dogs

You may have seen the ads on TV. Donate your unwanted car to a worthy cause and receive a tax deduction. The organization that rings bells in front of stores is one of the largest to solicit your old auto. But did you know you could also donate it to a local animal shelter?

The Montgomery County Humane Society (MCHS) accepts automobile donations. They will pick up your donated vehicle from your home. It’s tax deductible and another way to help the homeless animals.

Read how you can receive a tax deduction and help the humane society. Donate Your Car

Cute-dog winner a champion for homeless animals

"Cutest" pooch $1 million prize will go to shelters in the Denver area. Heart warming story on how a pint-sized Chihuahua won an on-line cutest dog competition and the prize money will help the shelters to fund programs in cruelty investigations, foster care and classes, as well as assist "special case" animals who require surgeries or treatment.

Yogurt Pups

Try this easy recipe for a cool treat for your dog on these hot summer days:

Yogurt Pups
16 ounces plain nonfat yogurt
3/4 cup water
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon granules
Dissolve bouillon in water, Combine water and yogurt in blender and
blend thoroughly, Pour into small containers for freezing, cover and
freeze.

Cool Vest® for your dog on hot summer days

Product review on Cool Vest® for your dog. Great solution for those hot summer days and wanting to keep your pet cool when on walks, etc...Cool Vest®

Dog Treat Recipe-Apple a Day

AN APPLE A DAY DOG TREAT
2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup unbleached flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 apple -- chopped or grated
1 egg -- beaten
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
3/8 cup water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray cookie sheet with vegetable oil
spray. Lightly dust work surface with flour. Blend flours and cornmeal
in large mixing bowl. Add apple, egg, oil, brown sugar and water; mix
until well blended.
On floured surface, roll dough out to 7/8-inch thickness. Cut with
cookie cutters of desired shape and size. Place treats on prepared
sheet.
Bake in preheated oven 35 to 40 minutes. Turn off oven. Leave door
closed 1 hour to crisp treats. Remove treats from oven.
Store baked treats in airtight container or plastic bag and place in
refrigerator or freezer.
MAKES 2 to 2 1/2 dozen

Which breed came first?

Which breed of dog came first...Saluki fanciers claim their Middle Eastern breed is oldest; Norwegian Elkhound fans claim that title for their Nordic breed. Who Came First?

Stella and Scout

Stella the Brussels Griffon came in heat. That meant she couldn’t hang out with her great friend, Scout the Whippet, for awhile..laughed when I read the story..Stella and Scout

Australian legislature considers microchipping all pets & holding owners responsible

Australian legislators are considering a bill to make it compulsory to microchip all cats and dogs before 12 weeks of age....Microchip Bill