Both humans and dogs find chocolate delicious, but chocolate contains substances that are toxic to dogs. Small dogs are the most sensitive, simply because of their size. A relatively small amount of chocolate can contain much more of these toxic substances than their little bodies can handle.
If your dog has just eaten chocolate, don’t wait to see what happens. Skip to what to do right now, and call your vet or a pet poison helpline.
What happens if a dog eats chocolate?
Chocolate contains theobromine, a strong stimulant which dogs are unable to metabolize effectively, and caffeine in smaller amounts. Theobromine stimulates the central nervous system and the heart of the dog, increases blood pressure and speeds up the digestive tract.
We can enjoy a bar of chocolate without any trouble because our bodies process theobromine much more easily. Dogs process it far more slowly, so it stays in their system for longer and has more time to cause problems.
What are the symptoms of chocolate poisoning?
The first symptoms are often anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, thirst, vomiting and diarrhea. You may also notice that your dog is panting, breathing quickly or urinating more than usual.
Severe poisoning can cause a fast or irregular heartbeat, tremors, loss of coordination, seizures, collapse, coma and death. Any of these severe signs is an emergency.
Which types of chocolate are the most dangerous?
Generally, the darker and more bitter the chocolate is, the more dangerous it is for your dog. From most to least dangerous, the main types are:
- Cocoa powder
- Unsweetened baking chocolate
- Semisweet and dark chocolate
- Milk chocolate
- White chocolate
White chocolate contains the least theobromine, but that doesn’t make it a safe treat. Its fat and sugar can still upset your dog’s stomach, and very fatty, sugary candy can lead to pancreatitis, which may not show up for two to four days.
Cocoa bean hulls, which are sometimes used as garden mulch, can also be toxic to dogs.
How much chocolate is toxic to a dog?
There is no safe amount of chocolate for dogs. Like we mentioned before, the risk depends on the type of chocolate and the size of your dog. Your dog’s age and health also matter, so puppies, senior dogs, pregnant dogs and dogs with health conditions may be at higher risk.
To give you an idea of how much the type of chocolate matters, Cornell University’s veterinary college says that about 1 ounce of milk chocolate per pound of body weight can be deadly, while as little as 0.1 ounces of unsweetened baking chocolate per pound may be lethal. For a 15lb dog, that’s about 15 oz (425g) of milk chocolate or just 1.5 oz (43g) of baking chocolate.
These are not safe limits. Much smaller amounts can still make your dog sick, so please don’t try to work out a safe dose yourself. Call a professional, even if your dog ate only a small amount.
How long after eating chocolate will a dog get sick?
Signs can appear 2 to 12 hours after your dog eats chocolate, and they can last 12 to 36 hours, or longer in severe cases. Although your dog may seem OK shortly after eating it, don’t wait for symptoms before getting help.
How do vets diagnose chocolate poisoning?
Your vet will rely on what your dog ate, a physical exam and sometimes blood tests. If you know that your dog has eaten chocolate, tell the vet the amount and type of chocolate, and when it happened.
A serious problem arises when a dog eats chocolate and the owner doesn’t know about it, because this makes it harder for the vet to reach the correct diagnosis. So if you find a chewed wrapper or your dog has been near the baking cupboard, be sure to mention it.
What to do if your dog eats chocolate
- Call for help right away. Contact your vet or nearest emergency vet. In the US, you can also call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. Both are open 24/7, and a fee may apply.
- Don’t make your dog vomit unless a veterinary professional tells you to. Done incorrectly, this can cause more harm. Don’t give activated charcoal at home either, unless you’ve been told to.
- Keep the wrapper. Note the type of chocolate, how much your dog may have eaten, and when.
- Follow the advice you’re given. Your vet or the helpline will tell you whether your dog needs to be seen.
So react in time, and don’t leave it to chance to sort out the situation by itself.
How is chocolate poisoning treated?
Treatment depends on how much your dog ate and how sick they are. A vet may induce vomiting, even a few hours later, because chocolate is absorbed slowly. They may also give activated charcoal, intravenous fluids, and medicines to control vomiting, tremors, seizures or an irregular heartbeat. Many dogs need to stay in the hospital.
Dogs with mild signs or small ingestions usually do well. Prompt treatment improves the outlook, while severe signs such as seizures or collapse make it less favorable.
How to keep chocolate away from your dog
Dogs have an excellent sense of smell, and they can be very determined when they find something tasty. A few simple habits can help:
- Keep chocolate, cocoa powder and baking ingredients in a closed cupboard, well out of reach.
- Be extra careful around holidays, when candy and baked goods are often left within easy reach.
- Don’t leave bags, coats or backpacks with chocolate inside them on the floor.
- Ask children and guests not to share sweets with your dog.
Sources
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Chocolate toxicity
- Pet Poison Helpline: What to do if your dog ate chocolate
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