chocolate

February 10, 2006

PET HEALTH ALERT: NO SWEETS FOR THE SWEET ON FEBRUARY 14For many people, overindulging in Valentine’s goodies may result in a few extra pounds--but the consequences for our animal companions are much greater if they accidentally ingest cookies, candy or baked goods containing chocolate. In any form ranging from one-ounce baking squares to hand-dipped truffles, chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both methylxanthines that can cause stimulation of the central nervous system, an increase in heart rate and tremors. Clinical signs—vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, hyperactivity, and increased thirst, urination and heart rate—can be seen with the ingestion of as little as two ounces of baking chocolate by a 10-pound dog.

And while sugar-free sweets may be a healthier choice for you, gum or candies made with xylitol can make your pets ill. Dogs who’ve ingested significant amounts may develop a sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression, loss of coordination and seizures. Data from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center also appears to point to a link between xylitol ingestion and liver failure in dogs.

Please take care this upcoming Valentine’s Day to keep all candy out of your pets' reach—and don't let them in the kitchen unsupervised if you’re baking with chocolate. If you suspect your pet may have eaten chocolate or candies containing xylitol—or any other potentially poisonous substance—call your veterinarian or the APCC's emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435 for round-the-clock telephone assistance. For more information on poison prevention, visit APCC online.

The animals of the world exist for their own reasons.

They were not made for humans any more than black people were made for whites

or women for men. - Alice Walker

Whoever destroys a single life is as guilty as though he had destroyed the entire world;

and whoever rescues a single life earns as much merit as though he had rescued the entire world.

- The Talmud, Mishna. Sanhedrin 37a