Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs: Symptoms and What To Do
Posted in: Companion Animals
Chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs can’t process efficiently. Darker chocolate and smaller dogs mean higher risk. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, a fast heart rate, and in severe cases, seizures. If your dog has eaten chocolate, call your vet straight away rather than waiting for symptoms.
Chocolate Toxicity
The toxic ingredient in chocolate is called Theobromine – which is in the same family of drugs as Caffeine. Cooking chocolate contains a higher amount of toxin than milk chocolate.
These drugs effect the brain, heart and muscle by the release of adrenaline and upsetting of calcium levels.
What signs will I see?
Most signs are seen within 2-4 hours of chocolate ingestion, and usually include restlessness, anxiety, and hyper-excitability.
Depending on the amount of chocolate consumed, other signs may include.
1. Vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle tremors or weakness
2. Blood in urine and dehydration
3. Heart arrhythmias
4. Excitability OR depression
5. Seizures, coma, death
What Else Can Cause These Symptoms?
Toxins such as pesticides, nicotine, anti-depressants and amphetamines can also cause these symptoms so need to be ruled out as well.
How Much Chocolate is too much?
| 4 kg cat | 5 kg dog | 10 kg dog | 20 kg dog | |
| Cooking chocolate | 20g | 35g | 70g | 140g |
| Dark chocolate | 60g | 100g | 200g | 400g |
| Milk chocolate | 180g | 280g | 560g | 1120g |
Can Chocolate Toxicity be treated?
If your pet is caught in the act of eating chocolate call your vet immediately. Induction of vomiting, possibly flushing of the stomach and supportive treatment such as oxygen, fluids and medication can be given.
Prevention is better than cure! Make sure chocolate is kept well away from your pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much chocolate is dangerous for a dog?
It depends on the dog’s weight and the type of chocolate; dark and baking chocolate are far more toxic than milk chocolate, even in small amounts.
How soon do symptoms appear after a dog eats chocolate?
Usually within 6–12 hours, though this can vary.
What should I do if my dog eats chocolate?
Call your vet immediately with the type and amount eaten; don’t wait for symptoms to appear.
Is white chocolate dangerous for dogs?
It contains very little theobromine, so the risk is much lower, but large amounts can still cause an upset stomach.