How much chocolate is toxic to a dog?

For example, one ounce of milk chocolate per pound of a dog's body weight can be deadly compared to unsweetened baking chocolate, where as little as 0.1 ounces per pound of a dog's body weight may be lethal. For this reason, even ingesting small amounts, especially in a smaller dog, should be treated as an emergency.

How do you treat a dog that ate chocolate at home?

You should call your veterinarian immediately . Chocolate is slow to absorb in the body, so you may not notice symptoms until 2 to 12 hours after the dog ate it, but it is still crucial for their survival that you call the vet as soon as you notice.

Can a dog survive chocolate poisoning without treatment?

The outlook very much depends on how much chocolate or cocoa powder that the dog has eaten, and how long prior to being seen by the vet that the dog ate it. Experience shows that up to 50% of dogs will die if treatment is delayed until severe, persistent vomiting has developed .

What if my dog eats chocolate but seems fine?

So your dog ate chocolate, but they're not showing symptoms of toxicity. Keep in mind that it can take 6-12 hours for these symptoms to show up, so if they've eaten chocolate, don't wait until it's too late. Contact your veterinarian for the best steps to take to keep your dog safe .

What To Do If Your Dog Eats Chocolate (2024)

Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and depending on the type and amount of chocolate consumed and the weight of your dog, it could cause a serious medical emergency. But what should you do if your dog ate chocolate?

If you know your dog has eaten chocolate, it’s important to monitor them for signs of toxicity. Learn how much is too much, which types of chocolate are the most dangerous, and what signs to look for that may signal your dog needs treatment.

Why Chocolate Is Toxic to Dogs

Chocolate contains both theobromine and caffeine. If your dog consumes food or drink with caffeine or theobromine in it, these chemicals can speed up the heart rate and stimulate their nervous systems.

The risk of your dog becoming sick from ingesting chocolate depends on the type and amount of chocolate consumed and your dog’s weight. The concentrations of these toxic substances vary among different types of chocolate. Here are a few types of chocolate listed in order of theobromine content:

What Are the Signs of Chocolate Poisoning?

What happens if a dog eats chocolate? They may experience chocolate poisoning.

What to Do if Your Dog Eats Chocolate

If you believe your dog ate chocolate, call your veterinarian immediately or call the Pet Poison Helpline (855-213-6680) for advice. Note that if your vet is not open, some services provide live chat and video options to connect you with a vet. Based on your dog’s size and the amount and type of chocolate consumed, your veterinarian may recommend that you monitor your dog for the clinical signs listed above and call back if their condition worsens.

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In other cases, the veterinarian may prefer you bring your dog into the clinic. If your pet consumed the chocolate less than two hours ago, your veterinarian may induce vomiting in your dog and give them several doses of activated charcoal, which works to move the toxins out of the body without being absorbed into the bloodstream. For more severe cases, veterinary intervention may be needed to provide supplemental medical treatment, such as medications or IV fluids, to resolve the effects of the poisoning. Dogs suffering from seizures may need to be monitored at the clinic overnight.

How to Prevent Your Dog from Eating Chocolate

To prevent your dog from sneaking chocolate, follow these tips:

Keep Chocolate Out of Reach

Make sure all chocolate items, including cocoa powder and hot chocolate mix, are stored where the dog cannot reach them, such as on a high shelf in a closed-door pantry. Remind your children and guests that chocolate should be kept out of the dog’s reach and not left out for dogs on countertops, tables, or in purses. Keep this in mind during the holidays, too, making sure to placetrick-or-treat bags, Easter baskets, Valentine’s Day candy, Christmas stockings, and Hanukkah coins (gelt), for example, in a place where a dog cannot get to them.

Teach Them to Leave It

The command “leave it” is extremely effective in preventing dogs from eating something that falls onto the ground or is left within reach during a walk. It’s also a very easy command to teach.

Crate Train Your Dog

The safest way to ensure your dog doesn’t eat anything harmful while you’re not supervising them is to crate train them. Find a sturdy dog crate that is large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in.

Make it a comfortable, safe place for them to retreat to when they want to be alone or when you can’t watch them. Offer items like a stuffed chew toy, favorite blanket, or treats to help them feel like the crate is their personal den.