[bksvol-discuss] O T Dogs and chocolate
- From: "Estelnalissi" <airadil@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <bksvol-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Mon, 14 Nov 2005 00:28:03 -0500
Dear Cindy,
I was half kidding. From my first dog when I was six, our family policy was
that one of us gave our pet the last bite from any meal. By bite, I mean a
nibble about the size of your fingernail. This worked for us because our
dogs never begged during meals, but we had the fun of sharing that last
nibble of toast, hamburger, brownie or anything. We were so consistent that
they were satisfied with that last bite and also didn't beg from strangers
because they knew the last bite would only come from one of our family.
I know that's not by the book, but it is just a family quirk I was raised
with. Otherwise my dogs eat the specialty type dry dog food and dog treats
on a schedule which keeps me from checking a clock, because the dogs have
great timers in their tummies.
About chocolate. You are absolutely right. The way I understand it is that
it's the caffeine which can cause fatal heart attacks because a dog's heart
normally has an irregular rhythm making them far more sensitive to caffeine,
That means that caffinated pop and coffee, etc can be equally deadly, though
it's the quantity they consume in relation to their size that determines the
level of danger. A lick of coffee from a saucer, or sucking an ice cube
that's been in a cola drink won't harm a dog, but dogs who grow to love
those flavors are more at risk since they are more likely to track down
those foods without permission and consume too much of them before they are
stopped.
I understand vets get the most cases of caffeine poisoning around holidays
where people leave gifts of chocolate under the Christmas tree or in Easter
Baskets or Heart shaped boxes within their pets' reach where they normally
wouldn't leave it out. Also, dark chocolate is worse than milk chocolate.
I'm a basket case if a pet of mine hiccups twice or isn't as enthusiastic as
usual at play time. I'm a believer in prevention. Any sweets at my house are
on top of the refridgerator or in high, closed cupboards.
So I admit I break the rules. I spoil my doggies, but do so with measured,
conserverative, deliberation.
Oh, and some of the spoiling has no schedule or limits. My dogs have full
house and furniture privelleges, they bark at will and get as much petting,
and sweet talk as they can bear.
Always With Love,
Lissi
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