Chocolate Poisoning In Dogs: Symptoms And Treatment

If your dog eats chocolate, or you suspect your dog might have eaten chocolate, we recommend immediately calling your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.

While chocolate can be toxic to dogs, it is rarely fatal. However, it is critical to be well-informed about the proper procedures to take in such situations, especially during times when chocolate is easily available, such as Halloween or during the holiday season.

In this blog post, we will go over crucial information about your dog consuming chocolate, including the amount that becomes problematic, the signs of chocolate poisoning, and the necessary actions to take when your dog eats chocolate.

Is Chocolate Harmful To Dogs?

Yes, absolutely. A dog who has eaten chocolate can incur significant illness. Older dogs, or dogs with heart issues, can even risk death if they consume too much chocolate.

Chocolate contains a toxin called theobromine, as well as caffeine. For “hoomans,” theobromine acts as a useful medical tool — as a diuretic, heart stimulant and vessel dilator.

However, our fur babies can’t metabolize theobromine or caffeine as well as we can! Eating chocolate can dangerously speed up a dog’s heart rate and overstimulate their nervous system.

How Much Chocolate Is Dangerous For Dogs?

This depends on two things: the type of chocolate eaten and the weight of your dog.

Dark, bitter chocolate contains more theobromine, making it more dangerous. Cocoa powder and unsweetened baker’s chocolate are highly toxic, while white chocolate is much less dangerous, and milk chocolate lands somewhere in the middle.

That being said, any type of chocolate can be a cause for illness, because of the sugar and fat it contains. This can potentially cause pancreatitis — especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach.

The other factor is weight. Smaller dogs are at a higher risk than larger pups. For reference, a medium-sized dog who weighs about 50 pounds will show signs of chocolate poisoning, if they consume one ounce of baker’s chocolate or 9 ounces of milk chocolate.

If your dog gets into any chocolate, call your veterinarian or the pet poison helpline at (855) 764-7661. If needed, this chocolate toxicity calculator can help determine how dire the situation is.

Symptoms Of Chocolate Poisoning In Dogs

Signs of chocolate poisoning in dogs appear a mere 6 to 12 hours after ingestion and can last for several days, even after treatment. If you witness your dog getting into chocolate or suspect they might have, take action immediately! Don’t wait until symptoms appear to get an expert medical opinion.

Here are a few of the most common symptoms that might occur if your dog eats chocolate:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Increased urination
Tremors
Elevated heart rate
Restlessness
Seizures
Heart failure

What Do I Do If My Dog Eats Chocolate?

If your dog eats chocolate, or you suspect your dog might have eaten chocolate, we recommend immediately calling your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.

Depending on your situation, your vet might recommend that you monitor for symptoms and call them back. They may also ask you to bring them in immediately, so they can induce vomiting and give them doses of activated charcoal. (Charcoal absorbs toxins from the bloodstream.)

In severe cases, they may need to offer your dog other medical treatments, such as IVs and monitor them overnight.

Medical emergencies are really stressful times for dog and their parents! Being a proactive pet parent means preparing for situations like this — and learning what to do so you can best care for your fur baby. By relying on trusted medical professionals, your fur baby gets the care they need … So you can get your dog healthy and frolicking and back into your arms in no time!