Why chocolate is poisonous to dogs
Chocolate has theobromine and caffeine. People break them down fast. Dogs break them down slowly, so they build up in the body. They make the heart race and the nerves over-excited.
The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it has. An ounce of baking chocolate has about 7 times as much as an ounce of milk chocolate. Cocoa powder has even more. White chocolate has almost none.
How much is too much?
It depends on the dog's weight. The Merck Veterinary Manual gives these levels, per kilogram of body weight:
- From 20 mg/kg: mild signs, like vomiting, diarrhea, thirst and restlessness.
- From 40 mg/kg: heart signs, like a racing or uneven heartbeat.
- From 60 mg/kg: tremors and seizures can happen.
So a small dog and dark chocolate is the most dangerous mix. A 10 lb dog can show signs after less than half an ounce of baking chocolate.
Signs to watch for
Signs usually start 6 to 12 hours after the dog eats the chocolate. In bad cases, they can last up to 3 days.
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Drinking and peeing a lot
- Restlessness, panting or a racing heart
- Shaking, stiff muscles or seizures
What to do now
- Take any chocolate left away from your dog.
- Find the wrapper. Note the type, the amount and the time.
- Call your vet or a pet poison line. Treatment works best early.
- Do not make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Questions
My dog ate a brownie or a chocolate cookie. What do I pick?
The chocolate share in baked goods differs a lot. Call your vet or a poison line, and tell them the recipe if you have it. Brownies made with baking chocolate or cocoa can be dangerous.
My dog ate chocolate and seems fine. Is it OK?
Not yet. Signs can take 6 to 12 hours to start. If the level above is mild or higher, call your vet now, even if your dog seems fine.
What about raisins or nuts in the chocolate?
Raisins can damage a dog's kidneys, and macadamia nuts are also poisonous. Call your vet if the chocolate had either. Some sugar-free sweets have xylitol, which is very dangerous too.
Is white chocolate safe?
White chocolate has almost no theobromine. But the fat and sugar can still cause vomiting, diarrhea, or a painful belly called pancreatitis.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Chocolate toxicosis in animals (theobromine content and toxic doses).
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: People foods to avoid feeding your pets.