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This Week's Question

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Why can’t dogs eat chocolate?
— Hannah

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Dogs can’t eat chocolate for the same reason parrots like me can’t eat chocolate, Hannah—our bodies don’t know how to digest it. (Bummer, huh?) Chocolate contains something called Theobromine. Humans can digest it no problem, but not dogs. Theobromine can make them puke, get diarrhea, have seizures or worse. Eek!

Your dog doesn’t know that, though, and might still think chocolate looks pretty tasty, so make sure to keep it out of his reach. And next time you indulge in chocolaty goodness, don’t share with your pet—no matter how much he begs!

Oh, and before I forget: If you think your pet is sick from eating chocolate (or eating something else), ask a parent to call your veterinarian, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.