For many people, overindulging in goodies may result in a few extra pounds, but the price our little animal companions pay can be much greater.

Whether its intentional or accidental, ingesting cookies, candy or baked goods containing chocolate in any form can have dire consequences for your pet. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are both methylxanthines. Methylxanthines can cause stimulation of the central nervous system and an increase in heart rate and tremors.

After ingesting chocolate, your pet may experiences symptoms such as: vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and hyperactivity, as well as increased thirst, urination and heart rate. It is possible to elicit these symptoms from the consumption of as little as ¼ ounce of baking chocolate by a 10 pound dog.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) reports an increase in calls involving chocolate toxicosis during Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine's Day and Easter.

Just after the Thanksgiving holiday last year, APCC staffers handled a case involving “Sniffen,” an 18-pound Shih Tzu who'd eaten an 18-ounce box of milk chocolate truffles. The canine, who had ingested a dangerous level of chocolate, had already vomited several times and was drinking large amounts of water.

APCC staff worked in conjunction with Sniffen's veterinarian to provide emergency treatment, which included activated charcoal, intravenous fluids and medication for her elevated heart rate.

Sniffen recovered by morning, but spent the day in doggie day care, where she was under observation to make sure she didn't have further problems.

Although chocolate toxicosis is more common in dogs, who have been known to eat candy and trays of brownies and fudge accidentally left out, it is a potential problem with any species.

Take care to keep all chocolate and products with chocolate out of your pets reach… and don't let them in the kitchen unsupervised when you're baking.

If you suspect your pet has eaten chocolate, call your veterinarian or the APCC's emergency hotline:1-888-4-ANI-HELP for round-the-clock telephone assistance.