Chocolate is made from cocoa beans, which contain very high levels of methylxanthine, a substance that acts directly on the dog’s heart and lungs, causing the dog’s heart rate to increase and heart contraction to intensify, which will suddenly increase the burden on the dog’s heart and soon lead to heart failure due to the overworking of the heart. Chocolate is also very rich in caffeine, which can overstimulate the dog’s central system and cause hypersensitivity. Dogs may experience muscle spasms and even neurological hyperexcitability, leading to convulsions, nervous disorders, etc. If your dog has ingested chocolate, it is advisable to take your dog to hospital for a gastric lavage or to induce vomiting as soon as possible.
