Dogs (cats too maybe?) and Humans

[OTTER]

First off, not too sure if this belongs here or in off-topic. Hmmm

But anyone know why is it that chocolate and pastry is like poison for dogs, but not Humans? Aren't we basically the same inside? Like...what's different in dogs that makes it bad for them?

[-paT_BiZzL3-]

Its thier stomache i belive. Not sure.

[Chimaira]

maybe its has something to do with the fact that we are not exactly the same inside? I dunno, just throwing it out there. Why can they lick their *** and love the taste, but we cant lick our *** and love it as well (most of us I hope).

[-paT_BiZzL3-]

Originally Posted by Chimaira

maybe its has something to do with the fact that we are not exactly the same inside? I dunno, just throwing it out there. Why can they lick their *** and love the taste, but we cant lick our *** and love it as well (most of us I hope).

Because most humans arnt as flexible as dogs. Even if you reach back there and lick your ***, why would you want to? Just unsanitary(Sp?).

[SmoothMoves]

Their hearts are quiet different to humans. Chocolate causes an reaction and causes their heart the pump faster then it's expose to and can cause heartattacks that can be fatal or very severe.

[D.LEE]

so you mean they get a massive sugar rush or something like that

[Chimaira]

Originally Posted by PAT_BIZZLE

Because most humans arnt as flexible as dogs. Even if you reach back there and lick your ***, why would you want to? Just unsanitary(Sp?).

Hence the term:

"We can't do that".

[Cylon]

You know, I have always known this, but never really understood why. So I went and did a quick google search and came up with this:

What makes chocolate toxic, anyway?
Chocolate is made from the fruit (beans) of the cacao tree. Theobromine, a component of chocolate, is the toxic compound in chocolate. (Caffeine is also present in chocolate, but in much smaller amounts than Theobromine.)

Theobromine's effect on the body:

* Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulant
* Cardiovascular stimulant
* Increase blood pressure (mild)
* Nausea and vomiting

Are some chocolates more toxic than others?
Yes. Unsweetened (baker's) chocolate contains 8-10 times the amount of Theobromine as milk chocolate. Semi-sweet chocolate falls roughly in between the two for Theobromine content. White chocolate contains Theobromine, but in such small amounts that Theobromine poisoning is unlikely. Caffeine is present in chocolate, but less than Theobromine.

**Why is chocolate harmful to a dogs health?**
Chocolate, as you know, is made with cocoa beans. And cocoa beans contain methylxanthine alkaloids in the form of theobromine and caffeinea, which are toxic to dogs. Chocolate can also contain high amounts of fat which can put your dogs health in jeopardy as well.

**How Much is Too Much?**
Though it's certain that dogs and chocolate don't mix, different dogs react differently to the methylxanthines. And reactions can vary according to the age, size and overall health of the dog. The smaller the dog the smaller the dose needed to produce an effect.
And of course, if your dog's health is already weakened by other medical conditions, he's more susceptible. The same holds for older dogs.

Why isn't chocolate toxic to humans?
Humans can break down and excrete Theobromine much more efficiently than dogs. The half life of Theobromine in the dog is long; approximately 17.5 hours.

[Chimaira]

You know, one of my rottie's parents got a small piece of chocolate as a high reward for a rare good dog thing. But like the article excerpt said, dogs react to that stuff differently.

[OTTER]

Cool. I assume it's the same thing with pastry then. Same general concept I mean.