Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs: Risks, Signs and Treatment
Everyone knows dogs shouldn’t eat chocolate — but most people don’t know why it’s dangerous or what the consequences can be.
Chocolate ingestion is a common yet serious emergency for dogs, and fast action can save their life.
In this blog, we’ll explain why chocolate is so toxic, warning signs to watch for, prevention tips, and most importantly, what to do if your dog eats chocolate.
Concerned your dog may have eaten chocolate? See if they’re at risk with our chocolate toxicity calculator, then bring them in to your nearest Sydney Animal Hospitals clinic for an urgent assessment.
Why Is Chocolate Toxic to Dogs?
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, two chemicals that are harmless to humans in normal amounts but toxic to dogs, even in small amounts.
Dogs’ bodies metabolise these substances much more slowly, which means the chemicals build up in their body and can affect their central nervous system, heart, and digestive system.
If left untreated, severe chocolate toxicity can lead to organ damage or even death.
How Much Chocolate Is Toxic for Dogs?
How much chocolate can a dog eat? The simple answer is: none.
To be more specific, it depends on the type of chocolate (dark chocolate, milk chocolate or white chocolate), as well as your dog’s size, weight, age, breed, and any existing health conditions.
The general rule of thumb is: the more bitter the chocolate, the higher the risk.
Cocoa powder, baking chocolate, and dark chocolate contain the most theobromine, so they are the most dangerous. So, as little as 20–40 grams of dark chocolate can cause severe poisoning in small dogs.
Approximate toxicity levels:
| Theobromine dose | Risk level |
|---|---|
| From 20 mg/kg | Mild poisoning |
| 40–50 mg/kg | Moderate to severe poisoning |
| From 60 mg/kg+ | Life-threatening |
Signs of Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs
The most common clinical signs of chocolate toxicity in dogs include:
- Agitation or restlessness
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Drooling
- Panting
- Queasiness or loss of appetite
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Muscle tremors, spasms or quivering
- Loss of coordination
- Seizures
Chocolate toxicity symptoms in dogs can escalate quickly, so watch your pet closely and seek professional help if they deteriorate.
How Vets Diagnose the Toxicity of Chocolate in Dogs
Veterinarians determine the severity by asking about the amount and type of chocolate ingested, time since ingestion, and your dog’s weight, breed, and health history.
They may also perform tests and monitoring, such as heart rate and rhythm checks, blood tests to assess organ function, and observation for neurological symptoms.
How Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs Is Treated
The sooner your dog is assessed, the better the outcome.
At Sydney Animal Hospitals, we’ll advise you to bring your dog into one of our Sydney emergency vet clinics immediately, no matter what time of day it is.
Depending on the extent of your dog’s condition, our in-patient care may include:
- Inducing vomiting to remove chocolate from the stomach
- Administering activated charcoal to prevent absorption into the bloodstream
- Intravenous fluids to flush toxins and support recovery
- Medications for nausea, seizures, or heart irregularities
- Monitoring for tremors or arrhythmias
In severe cases, overnight hospitalisation for intravenous fluids, monitoring, and a urinary catheter is needed to prevent toxin reabsorption.
How to Prevent Chocolate Toxicosis in Dogs
One of the simplest things you can do to keep dogs away from chocolate is to keep it in sealed containers out of reach. Never leave chocolate (or any other non-dog-friendly foods) out on tables or counters.
Tell your children about the dangers of feeding chocolate to pets, and ensure the whole family is vigilant during holiday periods like Easter, Halloween and Christmas when there might be large quantities of chocolate in the house.
If you suspect your dog has been poisoned by chocolate or any other product, answer a few questions in our
pet poisons guide to get immediate advice on what to do next.
FAQs
What to Do if My Dog Ate Chocolate?
If your dog has ingested chocolate, stay calm and contact your vet. Bring the chocolate packaging and any details you may have about the chocolate type and amount, as this information helps the vet calculate the necessary treatment.
How Do I Know if My Dog Needs a Vet After Eating Chocolate?
Watch for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, rapid or irregular heartbeat, muscle tremors, or seizures. The need for a vet can depend on your dog’s size, the type and amount of chocolate they ate, and any pre-existing health conditions.
How Long After Eating Chocolate Will My Dog Show Symptoms?
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs usually appear within 1–6 hours. Severe symptoms may appear sooner.
Should I Make My Dog Vomit if They Ate Chocolate?
Please do not induce vomiting yourself. This needs to be done under veterinarian supervision and instruction. Many home remedies for inducing vomiting can cause severe secondary damage to your pet’s intestines or oral tract
When Should I Call an Emergency Vet vs Wait and Monitor?
Call an emergency vet immediately if your dog shows severe symptoms. For mild ingestion without symptoms, your vet may advise monitoring at home, but always confirm with a professional.
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