Why is chocolate bad for cats and dogs?
If you've long been a fur parent, you've probably heard about the warning that chocolate is potentially toxic for your pet cat or dog.
But why exactly is it toxic for them, even though it is completely safe for humans to eat?
The answer lies in its component called theobromine.
Chocolate contains cocoa, which contains the compound theobromine.
Why is the component theobromine toxic for pets? | Source: Pexels
Humans can easily metabolize theobromine, while cats and dogs absorb it much more slowly.
That's why this can lead to theobromine building up to a toxic level in their system.
Chocolate is dangerous for your pets | Source: Pexels
And even though most experts say that chocolate poisoning can only happen if your pet consumes large enough quantities, Dr. Ferdz Recio, one of the resident veterinarians and hosts of 'Born To Be Wild', warns that even a small amount of chocolate can be toxic to a small cat or dog.
Here he is performing a gastric lavage in a pet cat to prevent chocolate poisoning.
So, fur mom and dads, now that you know better, you should always resist the puppy eyes and cute cat paws when they plead to have a taste of the chocolate you're eating.
Better safe than sorry, right?
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