We often get asked the question How Much Chocolate Is Toxic To Dogs It’s a question that is mostly seasonal – Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Christmas for obvious reasons.
From the poodle who mistook his owner’s valentines chocolates for his … to the beagle that ate a whole box of chocolate wrapped under the Christmas tree (wrapping and all!), chocolate toxicity is a common problem!
NOTE, if you think that your dog has eaten chocolate, but are not sure, please check out my other articles titled:
If Your Dog Has Eaten Chocolate | Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Signs Your Dog Has Eaten Chocolate
If your dog has eaten chocolate call your vet, or animal poison control (1-888-426-4435 in Canada and the U.S.). I have included basic first aid measures at the bottom of this article.
What Is Chocolate Toxicity?
Chocolate is one treat you should definitely not share with your dog!
Chocolate is toxic for dogs because it contains caffeine and theobromine, which, although safe for humans these properties can cause poisoning for dogs.
Symptoms your dog may experience are
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Increased heart and respiration rate including
- body temperature
- Seizures in severe cases
- insomnia and frequent urination
- weakness and fatigue
- restlessness
- muscle rigidity/tremors
The levels of theobromine are often much higher in darker chocolate, while sweeter milk and white chocolate will have lower amounts.
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Chocolate
So what do you do if your cheeky dog eats your chocolate stash?
Contact your veterinarian immediately and let them know how much your dog has ingested. After contacting your vet, scroll to the bottom of this page. Time is crucial!
They will often ask other questions, such as the type of chocolate, the weight of your dog, and their symptoms.
Your dog may need to be admitted for supportive care such as fluid therapy to help flush out the toxin and replace fluids lost.
Your dog may also need medication to help regulate its heart rate and prevent seizures.
So err on the side of caution and consider any amount of chocolate to be toxic.
How Long Does it Take for the Effects of Chocolate to Come About?
The truth is, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a day for the dangerous effects of chocolate to come to light.
How quickly these effects become evident depends on a number of factors, including:
- How much chocolate has your dog consumed
- How healthy your dog is
- How much other food your dog has eaten that day
- How old your dog is
- How fast your dog’s body processes sugar and fat
- How much you know about dogs and dog safety
Prevention Is ALWAYS Better Than Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no antidote for chocolate poisoning in dogs.
As a dog owner, it is essential to make sure there is no chocolate in your pet’s reach. Be extra vigilant over festive times, such as Christmas, Valentines’ Day, and Easter during which chocolate poisoning cases skyrocket!
Luckily for our beagle friend an overnight stay was all that was required, although I’m sure that their owner remembers the Christmas they had to call their vet and say my dog ate dark chocolate…. and the wrappers and box with them!
How Much Chocolate is Toxic to Dogs
Another question people ask their vets is: ” How much chocolate can a dog eat without dying from chocolate poisoning?“
Unfortunately, as you have read above, is not an easy question to answer.
It all depends on the type and size of the dog, the type, and the amount of chocolate. What else the dog has eaten and over what period of time the chocolate was consumed.
Use this Chocolate Toxicity Calculator to work out how much chocolate it would take to cause real concern for your dog/dog.
But remember, it is only a guide.
First Aid Measures for Dogs After Chocolate Consumption
Here are some first aid measures that dog owners can take at home if their dog has consumed chocolate:
- Assess the Amount and Type of Chocolate: Determine how much and what kind of chocolate the dog consumed. The toxicity varies greatly between dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate, with dark chocolate being the most dangerous.
- Estimate the Severity: Use a chocolate toxicity calculator online or a guideline based on the dog’s weight and the type of chocolate eaten to estimate the severity of the poisoning. This information is crucial for both the owner’s immediate response and for informing the veterinarian.
- Contact a Veterinarian Immediately: Even if the dog seems fine, it’s critical to call a veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately. They can provide specific advice based on the type and amount of chocolate consumed.
- Do Not Induce Vomiting Unless Advised: It’s important for owners to not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian because doing so can cause other complications.
- Keep the Dog Calm and Cool: Prevent the dog from exerting itself, as chocolate can increase heart rate and lead to hyperactivity. Keeping the dog calm and cool can help manage these symptoms until veterinary care is provided.
- Prepare for the Vet Visit: Collect any remaining chocolate or packaging to show to the veterinarian. This can help them determine the specific type of chocolate and potential additives that need to be addressed.
- Hydrate: Offer the dog water as usual but do not force it to drink. Staying hydrated is important, but it should not be stressed further.
- Observe and Note Symptoms: Carefully monitor the dog for any symptoms of chocolate poisoning, which can include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures. Documenting these symptoms can be very helpful to the veterinarian.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and guidance related to chocolate toxicity in dogs. The suggestions herein are not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you suspect your dog has consumed chocolate, it is crucial to contact a veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately. The content provided is intended to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a pet owner and their veterinary professionals. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your pet’s health.
Is Chocolate Poisonous to Dogs | Signs Your Dog Has Eaten Chocolate
What do dogs, Christmas, Easter, and Valentine’s day have in common? Chocolate!
Therefore, if you own a dog or are around dogs at these or other times, you should know, dogs die every year from eating chocolate. Although, most dogs just get sick. Really Sick!
Continue reading: Signs Your Dog Has Eaten Chocolate
If Your Dog Has Eaten Chocolate | Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Act With Urgency if Your Dog Has Eaten Chocolate!
Because chocolate is toxic to dogs, you must act with urgency and contact a veterinarian as soon as possible. If it is late at night or on the weekend – out of hours – don’t wait until the vet is open, call the emergency clinic. Your dog’s health and life depend on immediate action.
Continue reading: If Your Dog Has Eaten Chocolate