Most dog parents know that chocolate does not go well with their canine friends. However, if you see academic social media posts on the topic, you will undoubtedly see comment after comment that,“My dog ate chocolate once and it was fine.”To take things further, I recently saw a TikTok video, where a group of people fed their dog a Hershey’s bar … to see what happened. I have to admit, that video pissed me off. Here’s the deal:Chocolate is poisonous to dogs.
Why Is Chocolate Bad For Dogs?
Chocolate contains caffeine, and a chemical called theobromine(AKA the chemical cousin to caffeine). Our dogs cannot digest these compounds the way humans can, making them more sensitive to the effects.
Signs and Symptoms of Chocolate Poisoning
According to veterinary experts, chocolate rarely kills dogs. However, depending on the type and amount consumed, it can cause:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Increased thirst
- Urinating a lot
- He gasped
- Restlessness
- Heart racing
In severe cases, symptoms can include muscle tremors, seizures, and heart failure. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning usually occur between 4-24 hours after your dog eats chocolate.
So, How Much Chocolate Is Actually Toxic to Dogs?
This is the question every dog parent asks when talking about chocolate. It’s true: Dogs who accidentally eat an M&Ms or two or chocolate that falls on the floor are less likely to get chocolate poisoning. But, when it comes to toxicity levels, they vary depending on several factors.
- A type of chocolate – The amount of toxic theobromine varies with the type of chocolate. As a general rule of thumb: The darker and bitter the chocolate, the more dangerous it is to dogs. Rank from worst: Dry cocoa powder, baker’s chocolate, dark chocolate, unsweetened chocolate, and milk chocolate. *A bit about white chocolate below.
- The amount of chocolate
- The size of your dog
Let’s put all this into perspective. According to VCA Animal Hospitals,“An average dog weighing 50 pounds would only need to eat a baker’s chocolate, or 9 ounces of milk chocolate, to show signs of poisoning.”
What About White Chocolate?
According to the Pet Poison Helpline, “White chocolate has very little theobromine and will not cause chocolate poisoning in pets.” However, pet parents are still being urged to keep white chocolate away from their furry family members. That is because it it can contain other ingredients – such as cocoa butter, sugar, butterfat, and milk solids – that can lead to stomach upset and even pancreatitis in dogs. Find out more about pancreatitis in dogs HERE.
Tool to Try: Online Chocolate Toxicity Calculators
I myself have two small dogs(one is 6 kilos, the other is 8 kilos). Also, when I buy chocolate, I usually choose dark. So, I am incredibly careful where I leave my food lying around. To help you better understand how different chocolates can affect your precious pooch, check out THIS Practical Chocolate Sugar Calculator by VetsNow. It is a useful guide.
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Chocolate
If you suspect that your dog has eaten chocolate, call your veterinarian immediately. Give them as much detail as possible: What kind of chocolate did your dog eat(save the package, if possible) againhow much you believe your dog has eaten. Also, while on file, remind your vet how much your dog weighs.
If your veterinarian’s office is closed, you can call your local veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. The Pet Helpline is available 24/7, 365 days a year. An $89 incident fee applies.
Depending on the severity, your veterinarian may induce vomiting, administer activated charcoal, and/or administer IV fluids. In extreme cases, Pet Helpline says dogs may need to“sedatives for pets, certain heart medications to lower heart rate and blood pressure, anti-seizure pills, antacids (such as Pepcid) for upset stomach and diarrhea. Theobromine may also be injected into the bladder wall to require a urinary catheter or frequent bowel movements to keep the bladder empty.”
What About Those Good Dog Bakeries That Sell Dog Treats?
Have you ever seen the icing that looks like chocolate on cute dog biscuits? Or maybe the pup cakes look like they’re filled with chocolate chips? Well, there’s no need to worry because that’s not actually chocolate. Carob … very tasty and completely safe for your dog.
While chocolate comes from the cocoa bean, carob chips are made from the pod of the carob tree. Inside the pod is a sugary pulp that is dried, roasted, and ground into a powder. You will find both carob powder and carob chips at the grocery store. It is naturally sweet and often has a nuttier flavor than chocolate. Find out how to make your own carob icing for dogs HERE!
A Word to Pet Parents
Although animal poison control centers report an increase in chocolate calls during the holidays – such as Easter and Halloween – they receive calls every day.
I know many pet parents wonder how toxic chocolate is, since they say their dogs ate it before they got sick. To summarize, toxicity is all about the type and amount consumed. Remember: Even a small amount of very dark chocolate can be harmful. I urge you to keep chocolate away from your puppies at all times. It’s not worth the risk! Do not leave chocolate in places your dog can reach, such as counters, tables, desks, and nightstands. Instead, make sure all chocolate is stored in a closed pantry or cabinet, and up on a tall shelf.
Sources
Pet Helpline
VCA Animal Hospitals
VetsNow
Many Foods Dogs Should Avoid
Along with chocolate, there are other “human foods” that we should keep away from our four-legged family members. Check out THIS comprehensive list of dog food yes/no.