Chocolate intake, while not always a cause for alarm, could be very harmful to dogs if done in large quantities. To keep their furry friends safe, dog owners should know how to identify the signs and what to do if their dog eats chocolate. Read on to learn more about chocolate poisoning and its symptoms, as well as how your vet might treat it.
Why can’t dogs eat chocolate?
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, two substances known as methylxanthines, which are toxic to dogs. Dogs are particularly sensitive to these substances because they cannot metabolize them like us.
How Much Chocolate Can Poison Your Dog?
Whether or not a dog contracts chocolate poisoning will depend on the type of chocolate, the amount of chocolate eaten, and the dog’s weight. Not all types of chocolate contain the same amounts of theobromine or caffeine, which makes some chocolate products more dangerous than others.
For example, a milk chocolate bar will not have the same concentration of methylxanthine as cocoa beans. And when it comes to chocolate poisoning, darker, unsweetened chocolate is what is most toxic to dogs. Below we list some cocoa products that you may want to keep out of your dog’s reach:
- Cocoa beans
- Dry cocoa powder
- Baking chocolate (also known as baker’s chocolate)
- Dark chocolate
- Semi-sweet dark chocolate
- White chocolate
Many veterinary clinics and licensed veterinarians have chocolate toxicity calculators to help owners determine whether they need to rush to the vet or not and what kind of symptoms to look for.
Signs Your Dog Has Chocolate Poisoning
If a dog eats a toxic amount of chocolate (meaning it contains high levels of theobromine and/or caffeine), he will begin to show signs within six to twelve hours. Owners need to keep an eye on them so they can take them to a vet as soon as they start showing symptoms. Small dogs may experience symptoms earlier than large dogs.
Common clinical symptoms of chocolate poisoning include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomit
- High body temperatures
- Rapid or panting breathing
- Low blood pressure
- Irregular heart rhythms
- Increased thirst
- Excessive urination
- Restlessness
- Muscle tremors
In severe cases of chocolate toxicity, dogs may experience more severe symptoms such as collapse, seizures, heart failure, central nervous system failure, and others if not treated in time.
How Much Chocolate Can Kill a Dog Frequently Asked Questions
Will a small piece of chocolate hurt my dog?
An occasional episode of chocolate ingestion may not necessarily be harmful or life-threatening to your dog. It will depend on the type of chocolate and the amount ingested, as well as your body weight. Small amounts of chocolate probably won’t affect your pet’s health, but we recommend consulting a vet to be sure.
How long does it take for the symptoms of chocolate poisoning to appear?
If your dog has eaten a toxic dose of chocolate, symptoms should begin to appear between six and twelve hours after ingestion.
What should I do if my dog eats chocolate?
If your dog has ingested an alarming amount of chocolate and begins to show clinical signs of chocolate toxicity, you should visit an emergency veterinarian or animal hospital immediately. Treatments may include inducing vomiting, giving intravenous fluids to help flush out toxins, and others.
You can also call the Pet Poison Helpline, a 24-hour pet poison control center that offers emergency services to assist owners when their pets have been poisoned. Their phone number is (855) 764-7661.
Summary of Money’s guide to how much chocolate can kill your dog
- What makes chocolate harmful to dogs is its theobromine and caffeine content.
- Different types of chocolate products contain different concentrations of theobromine and caffeine.
- Signs of chocolate poisoning range from mild symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea to more serious ones such as heart and central nervous system failure.
- Owners should take their dogs to the vet immediately after they start showing signs of chocolate poisoning.
- Resources like the Pet Poison Helpline can also help owners manage chocolate toxicity.