is chocolate really bad for dogs?
444706
Chocolate contains methylxanthine alkaloids in the form of theobromine and caffeine, that cause constriction of arteries, increased heart rate, and central nervous system stimulation. These effects can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, and increased urinations. More advanced symptoms of toxicity include excitability, increased respirations and heartbeat, stiffness, seizures and exaggerated reflexes. \nCertain types of chocolate contain higher amounts of methylxanthines, baking chocolate containing the highest and white chocolate containing the least. Dogs freely ingest toxic amounts of chocolate if it is left accessible. A potentially lethal dose in a 16 pound. dog is only one pound of milk chocolate. People stop eating chocolate before ingesting toxic levels. \n\nCardiac failure, seizures, coma, and death can result if the chocolate ingestion is not found within four to six hours and treated appropriately. The length of action of the methylxanthines is usually 12 to 36 hours. In dogs that chocolate ingestion is detected early, the prognosis is good. \n\nIf your dog has gotten into chocolate, you should note the type, estimate the amount eaten, and then call your veterinarian for recommendations. You will probably need to take your dog in for examination and evaluation of heart rate. If your veterinarian is not available, you should seek emergency care. We recommend that you keep your chocolate in an unreachable location; an ounce of prevention is better than an ounce of ingestion.
460214
No, asthma and chocolate, as well as other sweets, are not related.  Asthma is a condition of your respiratory system, not your gastronomic system.  You're fine to eat what you please as long as you don't have an allergic reaction.
188334
No.  Not necessarily.  She may just really like chocolate and want some.  For future reference, you could keep track of her cravings and her cycle and figure it out for yourself.  My theory...chocolate is the answer to everything!
404958
Chocolate doesn't really help with sexual urges, in my experience.  Working out is a great way to get rid of that excess energy, especially something aerobic like running, using a heavy bag, or kick boxing.\n\nAside from that, masturbation can also handle those urges, if that is allowed according to the perosn's individual vow.
8246
the caffine in chocolate in a natural stimulant to help reduce pain from cramps... and chocolate is just a natural soothing food....
11430
Dark chocolate is better-more minerals, less fat content.
642033
i know that certain chocolates contain flavanol which is good for heart health. BUT keep in mind that chocolate is fattening and that it can contribute to heart problems so it could be doing more harm than good. GOOD chocolate isnt on the market really regular chocolate doesnt contain enough flavanol to have a serious effect.
355750
no it is not\nbut spread it out through out the day for a few reasons\n1) it spreads the calories you intake out through out the day..\n2) you get more enjoyment from one bar..all day..\n3)if you eat it all at once..you just may want another one..so if you spread it out..this saves you on calories..\n\nthey have done a lot of studies lately and they say chocolate helps you heart and helps your mind stay calm plus a few more healthy things\n( OH NO I said HEALTHY )  no it is a health food..\nGood luck\nhave fun\nsmile
1039724
Chocolate contains many, many chemicals and components.  The one that seems to give most people trouble is caffiene.  Do you have this same reaction when you drink soda or coffee?
417874
No.\n\nSome risk factors of Diabetes:\nObesity, family history, African American\nHigh BP, High cholesterol, inactive lifestyle.\n\nJust eating chocolate would probably not lead to diabetes.
128173
Chocolate contains a neuro-transmitter, seratonin which acts as an anti-depressant. Here's a website to look at for more information: http://chinesefood.about.com/library/weekly/aa013100a.htm
1166075
When you read articles like this you have to remember that researchers like to get published and what better way to get published than to claim some obscure compound in chocolate or beer or broccoli will help prevent cancer. Take these articles with a big grain of salt along with claims that vitamins or supplements will cure cancer. Cancer is a complex illness and if drinking beer or eating chocolate was a big factor in preventing it, then you could be assured there would be much lower levels of cancer among the general population.
795611
Yes ...assuming that you are eating more than 4 chocolate bars and 1-2 granola bars a day ...even with the fruit ...that would result in weight gain...not to mention that you are cheating your body out of vital minerals and vitamins...this would not be good long term. You're probably hungry alot...you've been eating alot of carbohydrates and fat and virtually no protein.
462546
Hmmm - Chocolate has never made me regret what I have done... Chocolate makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside...I never question where my chocolate has been before I put it in my mouth...Chocolate gives me a good buzz and does not complain when I grind it up and put it in my espresso...If it is not good chocolate, you can just throw it away with no regrets.  \n\nSex...can result in broken hearts...various infections...isn't always good...\n\nI'd give us sex anyday...  but DO NOT take away my chocolate
877067
yes\nin many cases chocolate has been proven almost like a drug\nand in fact many people are addicted to it\nand sure it will make you happy especially if you believe that it will\nin fact i bet a zucchini will make you happy if you believe that it will :)\n\nso eat chocolate and enjoy! its even good for u
698935
My rules are:\nA balanced diet is chocolate in both hands.\n\nChocolate is good for your heart, \nit's even better from your sweetheart.\n\nBe good to yourself, \ngive yourself chocolate.
779845
Healthy -- no.  \n\nBut if the pet is suffering at the end of its life, the cancer is causing it pain and it is unable to be happy anymore ... that is a whole different story and ending.