While many people enjoy eating chocolate as a treat, dogs should never eat it because it is extremely toxic and can even kill them. Theobromine and caffeine are metabolised in quite different ways by dogs than by humans, which means that dogs cannot enjoy chocolate in its many forms. Smaller breeds of dogs are more susceptible to the negative effects of even a little chocolate.
Whether it's a piece dropped on the floor or an entire chocolate bar accidentally left on a table, dog owners should understand the serious risks involved when their pets ingest chocolate.
How Chocolate Affects Dogs
Dogs are sensitive to two chemical compounds found in chocolate: theobromine and caffeine, both part of the methylxanthine class. These compounds stimulate the nervous system and cardiovascular system. While the human body can process them quickly, a dog’s metabolism breaks them down much more slowly. As a result, these chemicals can accumulate in the dog's bloodstream and reach toxic levels in a short amount of time.
Dog size, chocolate type, and amount all play a role in the severity of symptoms and possible consequences. While a large breed may tolerate a small amount of milk chocolate with minor effects, a toy breed consuming the same amount could be at serious risk.
Symptoms of Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs
The typical onset of symptoms in a dog after eating chocolate is six to twelve hours, though it can happen as quickly as two hours after consumption. These signs and symptoms are:
- Hyperactivity
- Restlessness
- Vomiting
- Elevated heart rate
- Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia)
- Tremors
- Increased body temperature (hyperthermia)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Seizures
- Muscle tremors or collapse
- Coma or death in extreme cases
Even if your dog shows only mild symptoms such as diarrhea or an upset stomach, it’s still necessary to contact your veterinarian, as symptoms may worsen without warning.
Chocolate Type Matters: Why Dark Chocolate Is More Dangerous
Not all chocolate is equally toxic to dogs. The amount of theobromine and caffeine in the chocolate varies by type, which directly affects how dangerous the chocolate is.
|
Chocolate Type |
Theobromine Content (approx.) |
Risk Level |
|
White Chocolate |
~0.1 mg/g |
Low |
|
Milk Chocolate |
~1.5–2.5 mg/g |
Moderate |
|
Dark Chocolate |
~5.5–16 mg/g |
High |
|
Cocoa Powder (unsweetened) |
~12–50 mg/g |
Very High |
|
Baking Chocolate |
~15–25 mg/g |
Extremely High |
For context:
- 2 ounces of dark chocolate can be fatal for a 10-pound dog.
- 5 ounces of milk chocolate may result in life-threatening symptoms for a dog of the same weight.
As a reference, a standard milk chocolate bar (like a Hershey's bar) typically weighs about 1.55 ounces, while a larger flat bar may weigh around 3.5 ounces. It’s easy to see how quickly toxicity levels can be reached, even with just a few bites.
What Makes Chocolate Toxic? The Role of Theobromine
Dogs' central nervous and cardiovascular systems are primarily affected by theobromine, which is the primary cause of toxicity. Dogs cannot metabolise it efficiently, so even a small dose can accumulate in their system and cause cumulative toxicity. Theobromine is also a diuretic, which can result in increased urination and dehydration, adding to the dog's stress as symptoms worsen.
Chocolate contains caffeine as well, albeit in much lower concentrations than other foods. When combined, caffeine and theobromine have the potential to overstimulate the nervous system of a dog, which can lead to grave complications.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats Chocolate
Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess
Take note of the following:
- What kind of chocolate was it? (Dark, milk, white, baking chocolate, etc.)
- How much did your dog eat?
- How much does your dog weigh?
- When did ingestion occur?
Your veterinarian can use this data to assess the situation and decide on a course of action in no time.
Step 2: Contact Your Veterinarian Immediately
As soon as you notice that your dog has consumed chocolate, contact your veterinarian or the closest emergency animal hospital without delay. Your veterinarian may recommend treating your dog at the clinic or having him or her vomit at home (with supervision) if the ingestion occurred within the last hour or two.
Treatment could involve:
- Inducing vomiting
- Activated charcoal to prevent absorption
- IV fluids to help with hydration and flush toxins
- Medications to manage symptoms such as seizures or irregular heart rhythms
Time is of the essence. The results are better if treatment starts sooner rather than later.
Everyday Items That Contain Caffeine or Theobromine
Chocolate isn’t the only source of methylxanthines in your home. Keep an eye on:
- Coffee grounds and brewed coffee
- Tea bags
- Energy drinks
- Cocoa powder
- Chocolate-covered espresso beans
- Some flavored protein bars or snack products
Any of these items can pose a similar danger if left in reach of pets.
Chocolate Safety at Home
As a chocolate manufacturer, Santa Barbara Chocolate supports pet-safe homes and encourages customers to store all chocolate products safely and out of reach of animals. Whether you're baking with our dark chocolate or enjoying a bar of milk chocolate, remember that what’s safe and delicious for people can be harmful to pets.
To store chocolate or caffeine-containing products, use child-proof containers, high cabinets, or closed drawers. Please tell guests, especially non-pet owners, not to feed dogs human treats.
Additional Resources
If you're interested in learning more about chocolate composition or caffeine content, visit our related resources:
- How Much Caffeine Is in Chocolate?
- Browse Our Chocolate Types:
- Dark Chocolate
- Vegan Chocolate
- Organic Chocolate
- White Chocolate
- Baking Chocolate
- Ruby Chocolate
- Bulk Chocolate
Protecting your pet starts with awareness. Stay alert, store safely, and consult a professional if an emergency arises.
