Chocolate

^{Chocolate for dogs and cats}

                                     Most cat and dog owners know or have heard that giving their pets chocolate as a treat is NOT RECOMMENDED. Table food of ANY kind is not a good idea. Chocolate comes from the cacao bean. This bean contains many compounds that are naturally occuring. The ingredient that makes chocolate toxic to cats and dogs is theobromine. Dogs are more likely to eat chocolate than cats, but cats and kittens are even less tolerant of the chemical. Humans can metabolise theobromine more so than cats because we have more activity of the specific enzyme that metabolizes it. Systems that are effected by the chemical are cardiovascular, digestive, and the central nervous system. Symptoms of toxicity include diarrhea, vomiting, increased heartrate, high blood pressure, seizures and even death. If you suspect that your pet has eaten some chocolate call your veterinarian immediately, or bring him or her to an emergency veterinary hospital.

ASPCA: Pet poison control Website: http://www.aspca.org/ (click on Animal Poison control)

TREAT TIP FOR DOGS: RAW GREEN PEPPERS OR BABY CARROTS ARE CRUCNCHY AND SATISFYING BUT MOST IMPORTANT HEALTHY!!