Some dog owners love to feed their pup everything their heart desires, including sweet treats. But many new dog owners are often shocked to find out that not only is chocolate bad for your dog—it’s actually toxic. If your dog ate chocolate, here’s what you need to know.
Why Is Chocolate Bad for Dogs?
Why is chocolate bad for your dog? Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which is toxic to dogs because they can’t metabolise it like humans can. Depending on the type of chocolate and how much they ate, combined with your dog’s size, the effects could be mild, severe, or in some cases, fatal.
Act Quickly if You Suspect Your Dog Has Eaten Chocolate
Act quickly if you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate and figure out what kind of chocolate, and how much, your dog has eaten.
Different types of chocolate products have stronger levels of toxicity for dogs, according to the Merck Vet Manual. Cocoa powder is the worst culprit; after that is unsweetened baker’s chocolate, followed by semisweet chocolate, and then, dark chocolate. The least dangerous (but still toxic for your pup) is milk chocolate.
The second thing to consider is the weight of your dog compared to how much chocolate they might have eaten.
Pet MD has a great Chocolate Toxicity Meter to help guide you in determining the size of the dog vs. the chocolate’s potential toxicity. For example, if a medium-sized dog has eaten an ounce of dark chocolate, the toxicity meter is only two bars and the recommendation is to monitor the dog. But that same amount for a 6-kilogram mini Dachshund is much more toxic and may require urgent vet care.
If your dog is exhibiting any symptoms and ate an amount that’s on the higher side of the chart, you should err on the side of caution and take them to your vet urgently.
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Symptoms of Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs
If your dog ate chocolate of any amount, watch out for these signs:
- Vomiting
- Increased urination
- Diarrhoea
- Restlessness
Signs of serious chocolate toxicity include:
- Tremors
- Increased heart rate
- Seizures
Even if your dog ate chocolate but is acting fine, it’s always best to speak to your vet for advice. Be prepared to bring your dog to the vet clinic for an appointment if necessary.
If your dog is experiencing any of the more serious signs like tremors, increased heart rate, or seizures, they need urgent medical care.
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After Your Dog Eats Chocolate
If you know your dog has eaten chocolate, it’s best to call your vet right away. They’ll likely ask what type and how much chocolate your dog ate, plus how big your dog is. Having all these details on hand makes it easier for your vet to assess the situation. You may be asked to bring your dog to the vet or monitor their symptoms at home.
At the clinic, your vet may induce vomiting in your dog or give them activated charcoal, or if you’re keeping an eye on things at home, tell you how to do this yourself.
It’s important to always act on the advice of a professional veterinarian who is trained to assess these types of situations. Never try to make your dog throw up, or administer emergency medications or other digestive aids without speaking with your vet first.
Preventing Your Dog From Eating Chocolate
The easiest way to prevent your pup from ingesting something he shouldn’t is to view your home, garden, and even the sidewalk or dog park through his eyes. Dog-proof like you would toddler-proof: keep cleaning fluids and medications in high cabinets, and make sure toys can’t be swallowed or chewed into pieces small enough to swallow. Keep any food that’s dangerous for dogs either up high, or in a secure cupboard that your dog can’t access.
Keep houseplants on tall tables or shelves, out of your dog’s reach. Make sure all of the trash cans and recycling bins in the house have locking lids.
Chocolate is certainly bad for your dog, but many other common foods and household objects can pose problems.
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