What happens inside a dog's body after eating chocolate?

Question

I was wondering what theobromine does to the internal organs of dogs. I am doing a chemistry project on chocolate poisoning in dogs, but I can't find what exactly happens to the dog on the inside, I can only find symptoms that occur. Thanks for your help! Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | spayed | 2 years and 1 month old | 68 lbs

Linda G, MS, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello. Caffeine & theobromine are methylated xanthine alkaloids of plant origin. Methylxanthines are rapidly absorbed in the gut & it is thought that they act through the inhibition of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases & antagonism of receptor-mediated actions of adenosine, a amino acid. They also stimulate catecholamine synthesis & release. Overall effects include CNS stimulation, enhanced force & rate of myocardial contractions, increase gastric secretions, smooth muscle relaxation & diuresis. This is what causes the vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, elevated & irregular heart rates, increased thirst/urination, rigidity/seizures, eventually leading to coma & death. Hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

What happens inside a dog's body after eating chocolate?

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