| What makes a sundae simply scrumptious, a candy bar sinfully satisfying, a cake simply superb, and, if you get enough, it kills you? Chocolate! During World War II times were hard for livestock as well as people. Many substitutes for the usual livestock food were used in an attempt to save grain for the war effort. One of the food by-products used was left over cacao plants. Cacao plants are used to produce chocolate flavorings. A lot of animals, especially pigs and poultry, died before anyone realized that these substitutes were poisonous.
"You gotta be kidding!"
Actually the toxic agent in chocolate is theobromine, a substance similar to caffeine. It causes diuresis (forced loss of body water) and has been used as a medicine for this purpose. It also works directly on the heart.
"So what's the worst that can happen? Is my Persian's face going to break out in pimples so nobody will ask her to the prom?"
Early signs of chocolate poisoning include nervousness, trembling, and depression. Many times there are no warning signs and the victim dies suddenly. Theobromine is passed from the body very slowly so it is quite possible for a lethal amount of to build up over a period of time. The most effective first aid is to encourage your pet to throw up. Lots of things work but some are not safe for one species or another. The safest way to make a pet (or human) empty his own stomach is to have him/her drink 3% hydrogen peroxide (three tablespoons for a 30 pound dog is a good starting dose).
"Sure but my dog isn't going to chew on cacao plants!"
Medical records show where dogs have died after eating coco powder that contained just SEVEN ONE-HUNDREDTHS (7/100) of an OUNCE theobromine!
By the way, for all you nonchocoholics; vanilla beans are poisonous, too!
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