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Chocolate Dog Poisonous

"Chocolate dog poisonous happens because chocolate contains the canine toxin theobromine. Dog chocolate poisoning symptoms appear in 1 to 4 hours. Treatment is needed immediately and includes fluids, vomiting and charcoal depending on the amount and type of chocolate consumed."

Chocolate is poisonous to dogs is because of chemicals that are in the chocolate called theobromine and caffeine.

Unsweetened chocolate used for baking contains 10x the toxins of milk chocolate.

Can a Dog Eat White Chocolate?

Your dog can eat white chocolate and cocoa butter since both have a very small amount of theobromine.

Chocolate Dog Poisonous Amounts

Chocolate starts to be toxic to dogs at levels indicated below. Remember that this table is for unsweetened chocolate, for milk chocolate a dog can tolerate 10x the amount without severe symptoms. Check with your veterinarian:

Unsweetened Chocolate

Dog Weight In Pounds	Chocolate Squares	Ounces of Chocolate
20	1	1
40	2	2
80	4	4

For example if your 80 pound dog eats half a chocolate cake she will probably experience diarrhea and vomiting.

Potential toxic doses in a 44 pound dog are:

Type of Chocolate	Amount
Unsweetened Cocoa	3oz
Baking Chocolate	5oz
Semisweet Chocolate	7oz
Milk Chocolate	20oz

chocolate dog poisonous

Dog chocolate poisoning depends on the weight of the dog and the amount of chocolate eaten. This 1.5 oz bar of chocolate is well below the levels needed for a sever case of poisoning in a dog that is 44 pounds or larger. Whenever your dog eats chocolate, contact a veterinarian for advice and watch for any of the clinical dog chocolate poisoning symptoms mentioned here.

Symptoms if Dog Eats Chocolate

If you dog eats a little chocolate common symptoms are:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
Tremors
Increased thirst
Weakness
Balance problems
Hyperexcitability

Dogs that eat a large amount of chocolate can experience more severe symptoms:

Heart arrhythmia/abnormal rhythm
Seizures
Coma
Muscle Spasms

What to do if Dog Eats Chocolate

Call your veterinarian immediately if your dog eats chocolate. Describe the type of chocolate he might of ate (dark, unsweetened, milk chocolate, semi-sweet) and the amount. Give your veterinarian or emergency veterinary center the weight of your dog.

Your veterinarian will use charcoal to absorb the toxin and possibly induce vomiting. Intravenous fluids may be administered to help clear the toxins from the bloodstream. Any symptoms will also be treated. The key is to undergo treatment before the toxins enter the blood.

Source

Brevitz, Betsy DVM
Hound Health Handbook

The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats
Prevention Magazine

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