Some dogs are OK with chocolate, but be cautious

Dear Readers: We recently shared information about the dangers of dogs eating chocolate, according to an animal expert, and asked readers to share their experiences. Here are some of their comments:
USue Lumpkins, via e-mail, says: "I had a German short-haired pointer who died after eating a large quantity of dark baking chocolate. She was immediately taken to the vet; she died the next day."
UBen in Michigan says: "We have a chocolate-eating wonder in our house. One time our dog ate nine chocolate brownies in a row, and another time ate 1/2 pound of dark chocolate, and to this day is as healthy as a horse. Vomiting always followed these eating frenzies, but he never died or got seriously sick."
UPam Tompkins of Abilene, Texas, says: "I have an 11-year-old Pekingese. Ever since he was a year old, his nightly treat after dinner has been half of a chocolate-covered ice-cream bar. And to this day, if he doesn't get his 'treat' on time, he is sure to very vocally remind me."
UBob and Kathy Christensen of Rockford, Mich., says: "My wife and I owned a cocker spaniel. We worked away from home and left the dog in the house. One day, upon arriving home, we found that the dog had ingested about 1/2 pound of dark-chocolate cooking chips. I took the dog to the vet, but by the time I arrived there, the dog had died."
USandi, via e-mail, says: "Our dog Pepper is a sheltie. She has had chocolate poisoning twice. We did have to take her to the vet, and she was very sick for about a week but recovered. Both times were very scary and very expensive."
UP. Bergman of Salem, Ohio, says: "We have a bichon fris & eacute; who is 15. Every evening before bed, he goes to the kitchen, looks up at the counter where a candy jar sits and starts to whimper for his treat, which is two foil-wrapped chocolate drops."
UNellie Wall of Mount Hope, Kan., says: "I had a poodle, and we had a dish of chocolate on the table. I left it, and when I went to work the next morning, Sandi got on the table and ate it. When I got home, she was bloated. I called her doctor (30 miles away), and he said to bring her right in. She died the next morning."
Readers, you have spoken. Some dogs dig chocolate without a problem; others weren't as fortunate. When in doubt, don't leave the chocolate sitting out! Heloise
Dear Readers: Lorraine Huppe of Manchester, N.H., sent in a photo of her sharing her pillow with Maisy, a rat terrier. The photo is adorable and gave us all a smile. Please visit my Web site, www.Heloise.com, and click on This Week's Pet to see Lorraine and Maisy. Send your favorite, unusual pet photo to: Heloise/Pet Photo, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Heloise
XSend a great hint to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, Fax: (210) HELOISE or E-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate