Is it Okay to Give Your Dog Chocolate?
Posted: Thursday, February 07, 2008
by Ryan Konecky
Most of us have heard the rule "Never give a dog
chocolate because it can be deadly to the dog." However, many may not
know how true that statement is.
I did not know the validity of this for a long time. Growing up, my parents would buy a bag of M&M's for our dog every Christmas and then reward her with one or two every day or so. Since this never seemed to bother her, I always assumed that this was just a myth.
But, it is NOT a myth!
Chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine which is poisonous to pugs -- and dogs in general. The reason that a dog may be able to eat chocolate without any ill-effects is that different types of chocolate contain different levels of theobromine. The amount of chocolate eaten and the size, age and health of the dog also play a factor.
There are ways to determine how much of what type of chocolate is safe for your pug. However, it is probably best to just shy away from feeding your pug any chocolate. This solution takes the guess work out calculating the right amount and keeps your pug from wanting more and more.
So now that chocolate is out, what can you do to further spoil your pug this Valentine's day? If chocolate is your thing -- or your pugs thing -- there are some imitation chocolates that your pug will love. We have found a retailer that makes some "finer" dog treats at "regular" dog-treat prices. Go to http://www.SierraThePug.com to get a link to some great -- and healthy -- Valentine's Day treats for your pug.
I did not know the validity of this for a long time. Growing up, my parents would buy a bag of M&M's for our dog every Christmas and then reward her with one or two every day or so. Since this never seemed to bother her, I always assumed that this was just a myth.
Chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine which is poisonous to pugs -- and dogs in general. The reason that a dog may be able to eat chocolate without any ill-effects is that different types of chocolate contain different levels of theobromine. The amount of chocolate eaten and the size, age and health of the dog also play a factor.
There are ways to determine how much of what type of chocolate is safe for your pug. However, it is probably best to just shy away from feeding your pug any chocolate. This solution takes the guess work out calculating the right amount and keeps your pug from wanting more and more.
So now that chocolate is out, what can you do to further spoil your pug this Valentine's day? If chocolate is your thing -- or your pugs thing -- there are some imitation chocolates that your pug will love. We have found a retailer that makes some "finer" dog treats at "regular" dog-treat prices. Go to http://www.SierraThePug.com to get a link to some great -- and healthy -- Valentine's Day treats for your pug.
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