- This article has been reviewed by a pet health professional. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
You’ve probably heard that chocolate is toxic to dogs. Veterinarians advise against feeding dogs any type of chocolate, from chocolate muffins to ice cream and even chocolate milk.
All types of chocolate are toxic to dogs, and it doesn’t take much to make your dog sick, says emergency veterinarian Katie Osekavage from the Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) in Greenville, South Carolina.
So, while your dog is sweet enough without indulging in sweets, what should you do if they sneak a lick or a bite from your chocolate stash? Below, we’ll dive into why chocolate is so bad for dogs, what to do if they’ve ingested any, and what sweet treats are dog-safe.
What If My Dog Is Acting Fine?
The severity of a reaction depends on the dog’s size and the type of chocolate ingested. While no amount of chocolate is truly safe for dogs, some dogs may be large enough that the amount of chocolate is not toxic. For example, a single M&M is unlikely to cause serious harm, but if they scarf down a batch of chocolate chip cookies, there’s greater risk.
You can check an online toxicity calculator, call your vet, or contact the PDSA’s Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) if you’re unsure whether your dog ate a toxic amount of chocolate.
8 Symptoms of Chocolate Poisoning
Symptoms can appear within 6-12 hours, lasting up to 72 hours or longer. If chocolate is missing and your dog starts showing the symptoms below, call a vet:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Excessive thirst and urination
- Restlessness
- Elevated heart rate
- Abnormal heart rate
- Arrhythmias
- Seizures
If your dog has a seizure after eating chocolate, go to the emergency vet right away “Seizures indicate extreme chocolate toxicity and can be fatal without veterinary intervention,” Dr. Osekavage says.
For cases of massive chocolate ingestion, seeing your veterinarian before symptoms appear is crucial because they can help expel some of the chocolate before absorption.
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Why Is Chocolate Bad for Dogs?
Dr Osekavage explains that chocolate is toxic because it contains two central nervous system stimulants: theobromine and caffeine.
Theobromine is the bitter-tasting component in chocolate and acts as a diuretic in dogs; it can cause dehydration and potentially lead to other health problems. Meanwhile, caffeine increases your dog’s blood pressure and heart rate. It can also cause irregular heartbeats or arrhythmias.
The effects of theobromine and caffeine are dangerous to any dog but are especially concerning in senior dogs, those with underlying health conditions, and small breeds. It takes about 17.5 hours for half the ingested theobromine to be eliminated and 4.5 hours for a dog’s body to process caffeine.
Monitoring your pet’s heart rate at home is challenging, which is one reason why Dr Osekavage strongly recommends seeking veterinary care regardless of the type or how much chocolate your dog eats.
Ranking Chocolate Types By Danger
Generally, the more bitter and dark the chocolate, the more toxic it is. However, Dr Osekavage emphasises that “while dark baking chocolate is highly toxic, even milder forms like white chocolate can pose risks.”
While Dr Osekavage advises pet parents to seek veterinary care if their dog ingests any chocolate, the chart below provides a general guide to the toxicity of different chocolate types, from least toxic to most dangerous chocolates for dogs. Keep in mind that your dog’s size and the amount ingested play significant roles.
| Type of chocolate | Toxicity level |
| White chocolate | Low. However, the sugar and milk in white chocolate can still cause digestive upset. |
| Milk chocolate | Medium-low. Milk chocolate can be deadly if enough is consumed. One ounce (oz) of milk chocolate per pound of body weight can be fatal for a dog. |
| Dark chocolate | Medium-high. Even an ounce of dark chocolate can be fatal to dogs. Half an ounce of dark chocolate may be deadly for a 1-10-lb dog. |
| Baking chocolate | High. 0.1 ounces (oz) per lb of body weight can be fatal to dogs. |
| Cacao powder | Extreme. 0.1 oz of cacao per lb of body weight can be toxic to a 30-lb dog. |
How Do Vets Treat Chocolate Poisoning?
Dr Osekavage says when caught early, the first thing your vet will do is induce vomiting. They may also give your dog activated charcoal to stop the absorption of chocolate toxins.
Your dog will likely get fluids through an IV. This prevents dogs from dehydrating, restores lost fluids, and flushes caffeine and theobromine through the urine. “These compounds can be reabsorbed through the urinary bladder, so frequent walking and urination can help limit this,” Dr Osekavagee says.
If your pup is overstimulated, your vet can give them a sedative to help them remain calm. Other medications might include those to control blood pressure, heart rate, heart rhythm, and seizures.
Do not induce vomit at home
There are no at-home remedies for chocolate poisoning. Never induce vomiting in dogs at home without the guidance of a veterinarian.
How to Prevent Your Dog From Eating Chocolate
While we might be tempted to leave chocolate out and about to snack on, play it safe by keeping all of it safely out of reach of your pets at all times. Pet-proofing your home like you would for a toddler can keep your pets safe from chocolate and any other dangerous substance:
- Store cleaning supplies, medications, and toxic foods in high cabinets.
- Choose dog-safe toys that can’t be easily broken or swallowed.
- Place houseplants on tall surfaces unreachable by your dog.
- Use dog-proof rubbish and recycling bins.
Takeaway
Chocolate is one of the best treats to satisfy our sweet tooth, but dogs should never eat it. But if you’re looking to give your pup a little something sweet, here are some dog-safe fruits perfect for the job:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Blueberries
- Cranberries
- Strawberries
- Mangoes
However, always give your dog fruit in moderation since it has a higher sugar content. Talk to your vet before adding any fruits or other human foods to your dog’s diet.
