What in chocolate kills dogs

A dog’s body can’t handle the high levels of caffeine and theobromine in chocolate, which are toxic to dogs. The quantity of chocolate an average-sized dog needs to ingest before it has a bad reaction varies from dog to dog and type to type of chocolate.

Chocolate is poisonous to dogs as it contains theobromine. Humans easily metabolize theobromine, but dogs process it much more slowly, allowing it to build up to toxic levels in their system. The potential toxicity of chocolate to your dog depends on the type of chocolate, the amount consumed and your dog’s size. In large enough amounts, chocolate and cocoa products can kill your dog.

(If you want to know what other human foods are harmful to your dog, you can read this blog post by Petcarerx.)

Many of us love chocolate, but did you know that the darker and more bitter the chocolate-the more dangerous it is to your pup? And, how much is too much if your dog accidentally eats your stash? Read on to find out.

What in chocolate kills dogs
Signs of chocolate poisoning in dogs – Infographic – please share

How much chocolate can kill a dog?

A larger dog can eat more chocolate than a small dog before suffering with ill effects. A small amount of chocolate will probably only give your dog an upset stomach with vomiting or diarrhea.

Treatment is required for dogs who have eaten 3.5g of dark chocolate for every kilogram they weigh and 14g of milk chocolate for every kilogram they weigh.

Never consider chocolate as a reward. Instead try our Best ever liver cake treats – wheat free : Homemade Dog Treats .

How much dark chocolate can kill a dog?

The high level of theobromine in dark chocolate means it takes only a very small amount to poison a dog. Less than an ounce of dark chocolate may be enough to poison a 44-pound dog.

Cocoa, cooking chocolate and dark chocolate contain the highest levels, while milk chocolate and white chocolate have the lowest. If you’re dealing with any quantity of dark or bitter chocolate, err on the side of caution.

Is Cocoa Butter poisonous to dogs?

Cocoa butter, also known as cocoa fat or cacao fat, is a natural product extracted from the nib of the cocoa plant. The nib of the plant is ground into chocolate liquor and the cocoa butter is extracted from that. Cocoa butter contains minimal to no levels of theobromine which is the chemical in chocolate that is toxic to dogs.

However, your lotions and balms often contain other ingredients which your dog may have an allergic reaction to, so wash your hands throughly after you have applied your lotion before stroking your dog.

Why is chocolate poisonous to dogs?

The toxic component of chocolate is theobromine. Humans easily metabolize theobromine, but dogs process it much more slowly, allowing it to build up to toxic levels in their system.

Signs you’re dog has been poisoned by chocolate and what to do

With large amounts, theobromine can produce the following symptoms:

  • muscle tremors
  • seizures
  • an irregular heartbeat
  • internal bleeding or
  • a heart attack

The onset of theobromine poisoning is usually marked by severe hyperactivity.

The usual treatment for theobromine poisoning is to induce vomiting within two hours of ingestion.

If you are worried or suspect that your dog may have eaten a large quantity of chocolate and they are showing any of the signs listed above, call your vet immediately.

If you have a small dog that has eaten a box of chocolates, you need to call and go to your veterinarian right away. Do not wait.

Chocolate Toxicity Calculator

If you’re a dog owner and wondering how much chocolate can kill your dog, this calculator will tell you! Just enter the weight of your pup in pounds as well as what type of chocolate they ate (candy bar or cooking cocoa) and it’ll calculate potentially how toxic it it. It might be worth reiterating with your kids not to give dogs any type of food that isn’t specifically made for them since even both types of cocoa contain theobromine which could be fatal to their little furry friends!

To work out how much chocolate is poisonous for your particular dog please click here to open the toxicity calculator

Infographic – How much chocolate can be poisonous to your dog

What in chocolate kills dogs

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While there are many human foods that can be safely fed to our four legged friends in small doses, chocolate unfortunately is not one of them. If your dog has eaten chocolate you are strongly advised to contact your local vet immediately for medical advice.

Chocolate is toxic to dogs. Chocolate ingestion can result in vomiting, diarrhoea or even seizures. In severe cases chocolate toxicity can be fatal.

How much chocolate is toxic for my dog?

The effect of your dog eating chocolate is determined by a few main factors:

  • How much your dog weighs
  • How much chocolate your dog ate
  • What type of chocolate your dog ate (dark, white or milk)

There is a chemical in chocolate called theobromine, which is similar to caffeine, and is highly poisonous to dogs.

Different types of chocolate contain different amounts of theobromine, however the general rule is that the more bitter the chocolate, the higher the toxicity to your dog.

As a rough guide:

  • White chocolate has the least at around 0.25 mg per 28 grams of chocolate
  • Milk chocolate contains 44–58 mg per 28 grams of chocolate
  • Dark chocolate contains between 130–450 mg per 28 grams of chocolate

What are the symptoms of chocolate poisoning?

Symptoms of chocolate toxicity can take several hours to show, and even longer to disappear. Some signs that your dog may have eaten chocolate are:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Increased thirst
  • Excessive urination
  • Faster than normal heartbeat
  • Muscle spasms
  • Seizures

High doses of chocolate ingested can result in cardiac arrest. The heart fails to pump blood effectively and can lead to sudden death or permanent internal damage if not provided with immediate emergency medical attention.

How is chocolate poisoning treated?

Treatments can vary depending on the amount of chocolate that your dog has eaten however the first step if treated early is to induce vomiting, and try to block absorption of the theobromine before it is absorbed into your dogs body.

Depending on the severity of the poisoning, it may be necessary to administer IV fluids to help flush out your pets system. If your dog has ingested chocolate please contact your nearest Sydney Animal Hospitals on;

Newtown (02) 9519 4111
69-73 Erskineville Road Erskineville    Open Monday to Friday 7am-11pm Saturday & Sunday 7am-6pm

Inner West (02) 9516 1466
1A Northumberland Ave Stanmore    Open Monday to Friday 7am-8pm Saturday & Sunday 8am-6pm

Norwest (02) 8883 0411
Unit 8, 1-3 Celebration Dr Bella Vista    Open Monday to Friday 7am-9pm Saturday & Sunday 8am-6pm

Kellyville (02) 8883 0533
106 Windsor Rd Kellyville    Open Monday to Friday 7am-9pm  Saturday & Sunday 8am-6pm

Newport (02) 9997 4609
1 Palm Rd Newport    Open Monday to Sunday 7.30am-7pm

Avalon (02) 9918 0833
710 Barrenjoey Rd Avalon Beach    Open Monday to Friday 8am-7pm  Saturday 8.30am-4pm closed Sundays

What in chocolate kills dogs