Amy said:

> Pushing this even further,
>perhaps it is the continued inbreeding of most dog
>breeds that makes them pre-disposed to
>hyper-sensitivity to many substances.

I used to feed my dog, Chico, the first piece of chocolate cake every time
I made it!  He loved it and as soon as he began to smell it he would put on
his very best good dog face and make sure (very politely) that I noticed
him.  There were never any bad effects, but we lived in the country and he
was free to chase rabbits etc any time he felt like it.

I tend to think it is a function of the American canine lifestyle that
causes the dogs to have more heart problems.  There were formerly no dog
leash laws, and now the dogs are very confined.  I think on most of the dog
lists I am on that the importance of developing an adequate exercise
program is vastly underestimated.

Elaine