You have probably heard that dogs shouldn’t eat chocolate. When it comes to no-go food for dogs, pet parents will list off onions, garlic, and, you guessed it, chocolate.
In this guide, we’re going to break down why dogs can’t eat chocolate, what makes it so bad for our pups, and what to do if your dog eats some chocolate.
What Makes Chocolate Harmful?
We know that dogs are curious creatures and are always interested in what we’re eating. As tempting as it can be to share a bite, you should keep chocolate to yourself.
Why can dogs not eat chocolate? Here’s what you need to know.
Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine. Theobromine is a type of stimulant you can find in chocolate. It has a similar structure to caffeine. While we can eat chocolate and process these chemicals, it's not the same for our furry friends. Our bodies can break down and process caffeine and theobromine and get rid of it.
On the other hand, our pups metabolize caffeine and theobromine much slower than we do. The build-up of theobromine can be really dangerous. When a dog has high levels of theobromine in their system, it can lead to toxicity. This can lead to symptoms like restlessness, increased thirst, tremors, weakness, and difficulty breathing.
While both theobromine and caffeine are harmful to dogs, theobromine is particularly dangerous. It can take much longer to leave your dog’s system than caffeine. That said, it's important to avoid giving your dog either, as they can both be harmful.
What Happens When a Dog Eats Chocolate?
Chocolate is very toxic to dogs. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. If they eat too much of it, it can cause serious health problems:
- Vomiting - this is often one of the first symptoms that happens.
- Diarrhea - this is another common symptom.
- Excessive thirst and urination - this can be a sign of kidney damage.
- Tremors, seizures, and abnormal heart rate - these are symptoms that happen in more severe cases.
- Pancreatitis - the theobromine in chocolate can also irritate the pancreas, causing inflammation and potentially leading to pancreatitis.
Is All Chocolate the Same?
Can dogs eat white chocolate, but not dark? Or should they avoid chocolate altogether?
All chocolate can pose a risk to dogs. As darker chocolate contains a higher concentration of theobromine, it's generally more toxic. So, the darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is. But no type of chocolate is 100% safe for dogs. Let’s talk about this more.
White Chocolate vs. Dark Chocolate
A huge reason why chocolate is not good for dogs is because it contains theobromine. Cocoa, the key ingredient in chocolate, is full of theobromine. Dark chocolate, with higher amounts of cocoa solids, is the worst culprit. White chocolate, with less cocoa, has the lowest concentration of theobromine and caffeine.
Starting at the least toxic chocolate for dogs, you have white chocolate. Next is milk, dark, baking chocolate, and then cocoa powder.
Remember that any type of chocolate can be dangerous for pups. This is especially true for large amounts of chocolate. A dog's reaction to white chocolate shouldn't be as severe as that to dark chocolate. Still, monitor your dog for symptoms and contact your veterinarian for emergency treatment if you have any concerns.
Baker's Chocolate
Baker’s chocolate is chocolate that’s designed for baking. This type of chocolate has a lot of cocoa and is usually unsweetened. This makes it ideal for making rich chocolate desserts. But, it also means that baker's chocolate contains higher levels of dangerous theobromine and caffeine than other kinds of chocolate.
In any case, if your dog eats chocolate, call your vet. Consider it a pet emergency and get your dog medical attention as soon as you can.
How Much Chocolate is Toxic to a Dog?
The short answer is that even small amounts of chocolate can be toxic for dogs. But the exact reaction and chocolate toxicity will depend on the kind of chocolate, the amount of chocolate, and your dog’s weight.
Small dogs are more sensitive to chocolate toxicity. Even a small amount of chocolate can be dangerous.
To make it clearer, let’s use standard-sized Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (1.5 oz) as an example. Here’s what the toxic amount could look like for different dogs:
- Small dogs (under 25lbs): 1–2 cups(1.5 oz each)
- Medium dogs (25-50lbs): 2–3 cups (1.5 oz each)
- Large dogs (over 50lbs): 3–4 cups (1.5 oz each)
These are rough estimates to give you an idea. The actual toxic amount can also depend on your pup’s health, size, and weight, and the specific type of chocolate. If your dog gets into your chocolate stash when you’re not watching, you may not know exactly how much your pup ate.
If you have any concerns or suspect your dog has eaten some chocolate, it’s always best to speak with your veterinarian. Don’t wait for symptoms of chocolate toxicity to develop in your pup before speaking to your vet.
What are Symptoms of Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs?
Chocolate toxicity can be potentially fatal and cause several symptoms in dogs. Know that symptoms of chocolate toxicity might not appear for hours after your pup eats chocolate, so be on the lookout.
Symptoms of chocolate toxicity in dogs include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive thirst and urination
- Restlessness or agitation
- Rapid breathing
- Difficulty breathing
- Bloating
- Hyperactivity
- Racing or unusual heart rate
In severe cases, chocolate poisoning can lead to difficulty breathing, coma, heart failure, and seizures.
Can't My Dog Eat Just a Little Chocolate?
Nope. Dogs should never eat chocolate. Not even a little bit.
We know that dogs can be particularly stealthy when yummy treats are around. If your pup does manage to sneak in a bite of chocolate, contact your vet.
While we may love a cube of dark chocolate as a treat, we can reward our pups with plenty of non-food treats. Think interactive toys and playtime with their favorite ball. Lots of praise and cuddles is an effective way to reward good behavior.
What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Chocolate?
If your dogs eat chocolate, or you suspect they’ve eaten some, call your vet immediately. The sooner your pup can get the treatment they need, the better. Don’t wait until you see symptoms before you contact your vet. Try to take a picture of the chocolate wrapper, so your vet can get as much information as possible.
If you can’t get hold of your vet, or it’s out of hours, call your local emergency veterinary clinic or pet poison hotline. The pet poison helpline is open 24/7 and can get the help you need as quickly as possible.
Make sure to follow your vet’s instructions. With any type of poisoning, it’s always better, less invasive, and cheaper to get treatment earlier. Although chocolate is a big no-no, be mindful of other foods, too. Avoid chocolate-containing foods like chocolate ice cream, chocolate pudding, and chocolate chip cookies.
What Do Vets Do When a Dog Eats Chocolate?
We know why dogs can’t have chocolate, but what happens at the vet when your dog eats chocolate by accident?
The exact treatment will depend on the type of chocolate, how much chocolate, and how long it has been. If your vet thinks it is early enough, they might try to induce vomiting or give them activated charcoal. This is not something to do by yourself; always consult your vet.
In more serious cases, your vet may use supportive therapy. For example, if your dog has eaten a large amount of chocolate and they are showing symptoms. Supportive therapy can include medications to treat symptoms, IV fluids, and sedation. Treatment aims to keep them stable enough so they have time to process the toxins and get rid of them from the body.
If your vet says there’s severe toxicity present, then your dog may need hospital care and support over a few days. The bottom line is that if treatment can start soon after chocolate ingestion, then the prognosis for recovery is better.
How to Protect Your Pup from Chocolate
The best way to prevent chocolate toxicity in our furry friends is to keep chocolate and chocolate-containing foods out of reach. Lock away sweet treats in higher cupboards and avoid leaving chocolate at any dog-reaching height. Be mindful of garbage and make sure you close bins securely. Whether it’s Halloween or Easter, keep holiday treats away from curious paws. If your dog does eat chocolate, stay calm and call the vet immediately.
When it comes to treats, opt for healthy and nutritious dog treats that use dog-safe ingredients. Human foods can have lots of sugar, salt, and fat that can lead to weight gain and other health issues.
At Jinx, we're here to upgrade the way you care for your dog by providing holistic nutrition made with thoughtful formulation, real ingredients, and a whole lot of love.