Theobromine, Antifreeze, and Pets

[slashfairy]

From Snopes.com, Consumer Reports, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Chocolate (Cacao) contains xanthines and theobromines, which, in other -monitored, human- uses, relax the smooth muscles of the upper airways, and phenylethylamine, "which causes blood pressure and blood-sugar levels to rise, resulting in a feeling of alertness and contentment

Comments

[linnai]

We used/use chocolate if our rats get respiratory infections. It will actually open breathing passages, in very small doses, to help them breathe easier till you get them to their doctor!

[slashfairy]

well we use theobromines in people -aminophylline is a theobromine- for the same reason. but in tiny amounts. an dogs react differently to it. so. plus we're usually monitoring our rats (or people), but dogs tend to get out and get a belly full right away, yeah?

yay rats! *waves to all concerned*