How toxic is chocolate to dogs?
Chocolate contains two compounds that are toxic to dogs: theobromine and caffeine. Theobromine is particularly harmful and is found in higher concentrations in dark chocolates like baker’s chocolate (VCA Animal Hospitals). The amount of theobromine determines how poisonous the chocolate is.
Several factors influence chocolate’s toxicity for dogs:
- Type of chocolate – Dark chocolates and baking chocolate contain more theobromine than milk or white chocolate (Merck Veterinary Manual).
- Dog’s weight – Small dogs are more affected by a chocolate dose than larger dogs.
- Amount eaten – More chocolate consumed means higher toxicity.
Knowing the type of chocolate, the dog’s weight, and amount ingested helps determine how toxic the dose may be.
What are the symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs?
Some of the most common symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Increased thirst and urination
- Panting
- Elevated heart rate
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Hyperactivity
As reported by VCA Animal Hospitals, dogs experiencing chocolate toxicity may exhibit gastrointestinal signs like vomiting and diarrhea, which can potentially progress to more concerning symptoms like tremors, seizures, and heart arrhythmias depending on the amount ingested (vcahospitals.com). The higher the amount of methylxanthines (caffeine and theobromine) present in the chocolate, the more severe the poisoning.
According to Berkeley Dog & Cat Hospital, milder symptoms include lethargy, lack of coordination, and abnormal heart rhythms while more severe cases can result in muscle tremors, seizures, an abnormally racing heart rate, and heart attacks (berkeleydogandcat.com). Immediate veterinary attention is required for dogs exhibiting concerning symptoms.
How much chocolate is dangerous?
Even small amounts of chocolate can be dangerous for dogs. As little as 0.5 oz of chocolate per pound of body weight can result in chocolate toxicity, according to PetMD. This means a 10 pound dog could show signs of toxicity after eating as little as 5 ounces of milk chocolate.
Not all types of chocolate have the same level of toxicity. In general, dark and baking chocolates contain more theobromine and are more dangerous than milk or white chocolate. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, baking chocolate contains 450 mg of theobromine per ounce, while milk chocolate only contains 44 mg per ounce (VCA). So dark and baking chocolate in small amounts can cause toxicity, while a dog would have to eat significantly more milk chocolate to experience ill effects.
It’s important to know how much chocolate and what type your dog has consumed, as this determines the severity of the toxicity. Always contact your vet if you believe your dog has ingested a dangerous amount of chocolate.
What to do if your dog eats chocolate
If your dog eats chocolate, it’s important to take action quickly to minimize the risks. The first thing you should do is induce vomiting if the chocolate was consumed within the last 2 hours, according to the AKC [1]. To induce vomiting at home, give your dog 3% hydrogen peroxide based on their weight – 1 teaspoon per 5 pounds. Never induce vomiting unless recommended by your vet or poison control.
After inducing vomiting, immediately take your dog to the vet or emergency animal hospital, even if they seem fine. The vet will assess your dog’s symptoms and may give activated charcoal orally to absorb the toxins. They may also administer IV fluids to prevent kidney damage from toxicity [2]. These treatments work best when provided soon after chocolate ingestion, so don’t wait to go to the vet.
With prompt treatment, many dogs recover fully after eating chocolate. However, without treatment, chocolate poisoning can be fatal depending on the amount and type ingested. Call poison control or your vet first if unsure whether to induce vomiting at home.
How to prevent dogs from eating chocolate
The best way to prevent dogs from eating chocolate is to keep it completely out of their reach. Store chocolate in high cabinets or containers that your dog cannot access. Never leave chocolate unattended on low tables or countertops.
You can also use bitter apple sprays as a deterrent. Apply a small amount to surfaces where your dog may find chocolate, such as end tables or coffee tables. The bitter taste helps discourage licking or chewing.
Teaching the ‘leave it’ command can also help prevent chocolate eating. Practice having your dog leave treats on the floor until you give a release command. Praise and reward when they resist the temptation. This impulse control helps prevent sneaky chocolate snacking.
According to one source, “Be sure to keep all chocolate out of your dog’s environment. For example, do not leave chocolate on coffee tables or counters and make sure gifts contain no chocolate.” https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/what-to-do-if-your-dog-ate-chocolate/
Long-term dangers
Ingesting large amounts of chocolate can potentially cause long-term health issues in dogs, especially kidney damage. Theobromine and caffeine in chocolate can have toxic effects on a dog’s kidneys over time. These compounds are metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys, so dogs with existing kidney issues are especially vulnerable.
According to Dogster, the toxins in chocolate can cause severe damage to the kidneys’ tubules and filtration mechanisms. This type of kidney injury is difficult to reverse and may require intensive treatment like hospitalization, IV fluids, and medication.
Dogs who have experienced chocolate toxicity may show symptoms like increased thirst and urination due to impaired kidney function. Kidney values like BUN and creatinine could remain elevated on blood tests long after chocolate ingestion. Therefore, vets recommend follow up lab work for dogs who consume large amounts of chocolate.
While most dogs recover fully without long-lasting effects, there is always a risk of irreversible kidney disease and even kidney failure in severe cases of chocolate toxicity, especially when large amounts are ingested. Monitoring dogs closely and seeking prompt veterinary treatment can help minimize any lasting kidney damage.
Prognosis
With prompt veterinary treatment, the prognosis is good for most dogs who have ingested chocolate, especially if it was only a small amount. According to the ASPCA, the mortality rate for dogs who have eaten chocolate can reach 10-14% if left untreated1. However, if caught early and decontamination is performed, including inducing vomiting and administering activated charcoal, dogs can make a full recovery.
The prognosis tends to be guarded to poor in cases where dogs have consumed extremely large amounts of chocolate and are exhibiting advanced clinical signs like cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, coma, fever, and weakness. The darker and more concentrated the chocolate is in cocoa, generally the more serious the poisoning. However, even large ingestions of milk chocolate have the potential to make dogs extremely ill.
Overall, the outlook for chocolate poisoning depends on the amount ingested, the type of chocolate, the size of the dog, and how quickly treatment is obtained. With prompt veterinary care, most dogs will recover fully after eating chocolate, but it’s critical to seek help right away.
Risk factors
Certain dogs are at higher risk of chocolate toxicity than others. According to research from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center [1], small dog breeds are more susceptible to chocolate poisoning than larger dogs. Small dogs like Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and Pomeranians require less chocolate consumption than larger dogs to develop signs of chocolate poisoning. This is because smaller dogs have lower body weights and require a relatively smaller dosage of chocolate to cause toxicity.
In addition, dogs that are left unsupervised have a higher chance of getting into chocolate stashes and consuming potentially dangerous amounts [2]. Chocolate is very appealing to dogs, so they will eat it readily if given unsupervised access. Leaving chocolate out on countertops or coffee tables places dogs at risk of chocolate poisoning, especially inquisitive dogs or dogs with a known history of counter surfing. Properly supervising dogs around chocolate and keeping chocolate safely out of reach are key prevention methods.
Preventing recurrence
The best way to prevent your dog from eating chocolate again is through training and environmental management. According to the AKC article What to Do if Your Dog Eats Chocolate, you should reinforce your dog’s training not to take human food or get into the trash. Use positive reinforcement with treats and praise when they leave chocolate or food alone. Practice the “leave it” command frequently.
You also need to manage your home environment according to the Rover article My Dog Ate Chocolate and This Saved His Life. Make sure all chocolate food items are stored out of your dog’s reach, such as in cabinets or drawers they can’t access. Never leave chocolate unattended on low tables or counters. Secure trash cans and keep them inside cabinets. Pick up any chocolate wrappers or debris from the ground. Confining your dog when you’re away can also prevent them from getting into chocolate. With training and environmental management, you can help prevent your dog from eating toxic chocolate in the future.
When to contact a vet
You should contact your vet immediately if your dog eats any amount of dark chocolate, according to the AKC. Dark chocolate contains more of the dangerous compounds than milk chocolate, so even just a taste could cause poisoning in dogs [1].
Your vet should also be called if your dog eats more than just a taste of milk chocolate. While small amounts may not cause serious issues, larger amounts of milk chocolate can still be dangerous for dogs. Consult your vet if you’re unsure of the amount eaten [2].
Finally, contact your vet right away if your dog shows any symptoms of chocolate poisoning, even after eating just a small amount. Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures, and abnormal heart rhythms require immediate veterinary attention [1].