Chocolate is one of the most commonly known toxins affecting dogs. The toxic ingredient in chocolate is theobromine, and the content of theobromine contained in the chocolate depends on the type of chocolate; baker’s chocolate has the highest content of theobromine, semi-sweet chocolate has a moderate amount, while milk chocolate has the lowest content of theobromine.
How Much Chocolate is Deadly for a Dog?
There is no set “toxic dose” when it comes to chocolate. There are certain factors that must be taken into consideration, including:
- The type of chocolate and its theobromine content;
- The size of the dog;
- The dog’s general health;
- Whether the dog’s stomach was empty at the time of consumption, and;
- The individual’s sensitivity to the toxin.
Generally speaking, there are a few basic formulas for determining what’s a toxic dose of chocolate.
Dr. Michael Levine, DVM, offered the following formula:
- Milk Chocolate: This type contains about 40 mgs. of theobromine per 1 oz. of chocolate.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate: This type contains about 150 mgs. of theobromine per 1 oz. of chocolate.
- Dark Chocolate: This type contains about 400 mgs. of theobromine per 1 oz. of chocolate.
Following this formula, a toxic dose is 100 mgs. of chocolate per 1 kg. of body weight. Translated, this equates to the following formula:
- Milk Chocolate: A toxic dose is one ounce for each one pound of body weight.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate: A toxic dose is one ounce for each three pounds of body weight.
- Dark Chocolate: A toxic dose is one ounce for each nine pounds of body weight.
What Should I Do if My Dog Eats Chocolate?
If it’s suspected that a pet has consumed chocolate, owners should immediately contact their veterinarian for advice.
“It takes about two hours for the stomach to empty entirely, so if the dog ate the chocolate within the past two hours, vomiting can be induced to bring up a portion of the potentially toxic meal,” Dr. Levine explained.
Unfortunately, even if vomiting is induced immediately after the chocolate is consumed, only between 40 and 70 percent of the chocolate can be brought up by inducing vomiting. Even less will come up as time elapses, as the chocolate will have left the stomach and moved on to the intestines.
Even if a dog does not consume a toxic dose of chocolate, the pet can still fall seriously ill due to the theobromine, combined with the fact that the dog often also consumes paper, plastic and foil wrappers/packaging.
What are the Symptoms of Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs?
The toxins contained in chocolate affect the nervous and cardiovascular systems, among others. Symptoms can include:
- Hyperactivity
- Increased Heart Rate
- Restlessness and Pacing
- Panting and Salivation
- Muscle Tremors
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive Urination
Pets who ingest large amounts of chocolate often suffer serious gastrointestinal upset that can last for several days, so supportive care like nutritional supplementation and subcutaneous fluid injections, is often necessary.
Related Reading
Visit the Pet Poisoning Resources Page for more information on what foods are toxic to dogs, what plants are toxic to pets, learn when and how to induce vomiting in a pet and check out other helpful information on pet poisoning and toxicity.
