Chocolate toxicity: What should I do if my dog eats chocolate?
One of the most common toxicities in dogs is caused by chocolate ingestion. Dogs cannot metabolize chocolate in the same way people can, so keeping chocolate or products containing caffeine in a secure location out of your dog’s reach is essential. The amount ingested that can cause toxicity depends on the size of the dog and the type of chocolate, with darker and more bitter chocolates being the most toxic. If your dog accidentally ingests chocolate, contact an emergency veterinarian immediately.
Cause
Two toxic components to dogs found in chocolate are caffeine and theobromine, which predominantly cause stimulation of the central nervous system and heart. They also act as diuretics, which can quickly lead to dehydration. Dogs may also be at risk for developing gastrointestinal distress or even pancreatitis because many chocolate products are high in fat and sugar.
Chocolate toxicity: What should I do if my dog eats chocolate?
One of the most common toxicities in dogs is caused by chocolate ingestion. Dogs cannot metabolize chocolate in the same way people can, so keeping chocolate or products containing caffeine in a secure location out of your dog’s reach is essential. The amount ingested that can cause toxicity depends on the size of the dog and the type of chocolate, with darker and more bitter chocolates being the most toxic. If your dog accidentally ingests chocolate, contact an emergency veterinarian immediately.
Cause
Two toxic components to dogs found in chocolate are caffeine and theobromine, which predominantly cause stimulation of the central nervous system and heart. They also act as diuretics, which can quickly lead to dehydration. Dogs may also be at risk for developing gastrointestinal distress or even pancreatitis because many chocolate products are high in fat and sugar.
The amount of theobromine and caffeine in a chocolate product varies, but generally, the darker the chocolate, the higher the risk to dogs. The potential for toxicity is highest in cocoa powder, followed by unsweetened (baker’s) chocolate, semisweet and sweet dark chocolate, milk chocolate and cocoa bean hulls. 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.
Clinical Signs
The clinical signs seen vary based on the amount of chocolate ingested and the dog's size but may occur within 2-12 hours after ingestion. Clinical signs can last 12-36 hours, sometimes longer in severe toxicities. The signs of chocolate toxicity may include the following:
Dogs are most commonly diagnosed with chocolate toxicity after a history of known ingestion and physical exam findings. It is helpful if you know the amount and type of chocolate your dog consumed to help determine their overall risk. Your veterinarian may recommend blood work or additional testing depending on their clinical signs.
The amount of theobromine and caffeine in a chocolate product varies, but generally, the darker the chocolate, the higher the risk to dogs. The potential for toxicity is highest in cocoa powder, followed by unsweetened (baker’s) chocolate, semisweet and sweet dark chocolate, milk chocolate and cocoa bean hulls. 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.
Clinical Signs
The clinical signs seen vary based on the amount of chocolate ingested and the dog's size but may occur within 2-12 hours after ingestion. Clinical signs can last 12-36 hours, sometimes longer in severe toxicities. The signs of chocolate toxicity may include the following:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Increased thirst and urination
- Restlessness
- Fast breathing
- Increased heart rate or irregular heart rhythm
- Hyperexcitability
- Tremors
- Incoordination
- Seizures
- Fever
- Coma
- Diagnosis
Dogs are most commonly diagnosed with chocolate toxicity after a history of known ingestion and physical exam findings. It is helpful if you know the amount and type of chocolate your dog consumed to help determine their overall risk. Your veterinarian may recommend blood work or additional testing depending on their clinical signs.
Treatment
Treatment for chocolate toxicity depends on the clinical signs displayed by the animal. If a patient has life-threatening clinical signs, those will be managed first. Otherwise, treatment involves decontamination with medication to induce vomiting, even if it has been a few hours after ingestion, since chocolate tends to absorb slowly. Most patients require hospitalization.
Treatment for chocolate toxicity may include any of the following:
- Induced vomiting
- Administering oral activated charcoal
- Antinausea medications and GI protectants
- IV fluids
- Medications to stop tremors
- Medications to prevent irregular heart rhythms
- Medication to stop seizures
- Urinary catheterization or frequent walking to encourage urination
Outcome
The outcome of chocolate toxicity depends on the amount and type ingested, the dog’s weight and how promptly treatment was initiated. Delaying treatment from the time a dog eats chocolate can worsen the associated clinical signs and prognosis. Darker and more bitter chocolates are more toxic to dogs, but all forms of chocolate carry some risks. Dogs with mild signs or those that ingested small amounts generally have a good prognosis with prompt treatment. The prognosis is less favorable for dogs with severe clinical signs like seizures or collapse.
24/7 emergency hotlines:
Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435
If your dog ate chocolate within an hour, get him to vomit. Use 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Mix it 1:1 with water. Use 1 teaspoon per 5 pounds of the dog’s body weight. Use a maximum of 3 tablespoons for dogs who weigh more than 45 pounds.
Your dog needs to swallow the peroxide. Use a syringe to squirt it as far back into your dog’s throat as you can. Hold his mouth closed and rub under his chin and throat, or blow into his nose to get him to swallow. Wait 15 minutes and if he doesn’t vomit, give him another dose, but no more.
The sooner the theobromine gets removed from the body, the better your dog’s prognosis. If your dog ate the chocolate recently, you’ll see it when he vomits. That means it has not digested.
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Second, Activated Charcoal will block absorption of theobromine into the body. But use caution. The APCC (ASPCA Poison Control Center) warns that it should only be used for high dose chocolate toxicity in dogs, because it may cause hypernatremia (high sodium levels, which can be risky). Activated charcoal is reserved for high-dose cases, particularly when emesis results have been poor.
Your vet will tell you how often to dose. The standard dose is 1 to 5g per kilogram of body weight depending on the amount of chocolate eaten. It’s best if you can start this within an hour of eating the chocolate. The APCC suggests sprinkling some on food, yogurt or baby food … anything to get him to lick it up.
Or give it mixed with water in a syringe. Squirt it in as you would for hydrogen peroxide. Give it a little bit at a time. Giving it by mouth is a last resort as he can choke and it can get into your dog’s lungs. If your dog has no signs of chocolate poisoning, add it to his water bowl.
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You can use bentonite clay alongside activated charcoal or on its own. Bentonite clay absorbs waste produced by cells in your dog’s body. It binds with toxins in the gut and absorbs toxins before they get processed by the liver and kidneys.
It protects the gut lining from letting toxins through. It can reduce your dog’s nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Bentonite clay isn’t digested so when it leaves the body, it takes the toxins with it. You can find it as a nutrition supplement at your health food store.
Add it directly to wet food. Do not feed from a metal bowl or use metal utensils to stir the clay. It will absorb metal from the utensil or bowl. Use a ceramic or glass bowl to feed and a plastic spoon to stir the clay into wet food to activate it.
Dosing:
Less than 20 lbs 1/2 tsp
20-50 lbs 1 tsp
50-90 lbs. 1 Tbsp
Greater than 90 lbs. 1-2 Tbsp
Make sure your dog has plenty of clean water always available. Clay is highly absorbable so you don’t want to cause any constipation issues. Also continue to watch for vomiting, diarrhea, thirst and restlessness
Your dog needs to swallow the peroxide. Use a syringe to squirt it as far back into your dog’s throat as you can. Hold his mouth closed and rub under his chin and throat, or blow into his nose to get him to swallow. Wait 15 minutes and if he doesn’t vomit, give him another dose, but no more.
The sooner the theobromine gets removed from the body, the better your dog’s prognosis. If your dog ate the chocolate recently, you’ll see it when he vomits. That means it has not digested.
*************
Second, Activated Charcoal will block absorption of theobromine into the body. But use caution. The APCC (ASPCA Poison Control Center) warns that it should only be used for high dose chocolate toxicity in dogs, because it may cause hypernatremia (high sodium levels, which can be risky). Activated charcoal is reserved for high-dose cases, particularly when emesis results have been poor.
Your vet will tell you how often to dose. The standard dose is 1 to 5g per kilogram of body weight depending on the amount of chocolate eaten. It’s best if you can start this within an hour of eating the chocolate. The APCC suggests sprinkling some on food, yogurt or baby food … anything to get him to lick it up.
Or give it mixed with water in a syringe. Squirt it in as you would for hydrogen peroxide. Give it a little bit at a time. Giving it by mouth is a last resort as he can choke and it can get into your dog’s lungs. If your dog has no signs of chocolate poisoning, add it to his water bowl.
***************
You can use bentonite clay alongside activated charcoal or on its own. Bentonite clay absorbs waste produced by cells in your dog’s body. It binds with toxins in the gut and absorbs toxins before they get processed by the liver and kidneys.
It protects the gut lining from letting toxins through. It can reduce your dog’s nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Bentonite clay isn’t digested so when it leaves the body, it takes the toxins with it. You can find it as a nutrition supplement at your health food store.
Add it directly to wet food. Do not feed from a metal bowl or use metal utensils to stir the clay. It will absorb metal from the utensil or bowl. Use a ceramic or glass bowl to feed and a plastic spoon to stir the clay into wet food to activate it.
Dosing:
Less than 20 lbs 1/2 tsp
20-50 lbs 1 tsp
50-90 lbs. 1 Tbsp
Greater than 90 lbs. 1-2 Tbsp
Make sure your dog has plenty of clean water always available. Clay is highly absorbable so you don’t want to cause any constipation issues. Also continue to watch for vomiting, diarrhea, thirst and restlessness
More Info
What Are The Signs Of Chocolate Poisoning?
Here are the effects of theobromine depending on the body weight of your dog.
Stage 1: At 20+ mg of theobromine per kg of body weight, your dog may look agitated or be hyperactive. He may also drool excessively, vomit or have diarrhea, which may smell like chocolate. Be on the safe side: call your veterinarian. He will advise whether you should perform first aid or bring him in for treatment.
Stage 2: At 40+ mg/kg your dog may show cardiac signs include racing heart rate, high blood pressure or even heart arrhythmias. Get your dog to a veterinarian.
Stage 3: At 60+ mg/kg your dog will start to show neurologic signs including tremors, twitching and even seizures. Medical care is essential.
Stage 4: At 200 mg/kg (approximately 100 mg/lb) is when death or serious complications can happen. Your dog will need to be in the hospital.
How much theobromine is toxic to your dog depends on the weight of your dog.
Theobromine has a long half-life. Half-life means the time it takes for the amount of a drug or toxin to reduce by half in the body. So it takes a while to leave the body. It can also be 6-12 hours before you see signs of poisoning. That’s several hours after your dog may have eaten chocolate.
Signs can last for days. During this time, the theobromine can get reabsorbed from the bladder and stay in the system.
Other signs you may see at any of the stages include …
In severe cases there may also be increased body temperature and reflex response, muscle stiffness and rapid breathing.
If your dog has any of these signs or if you have any doubt, go to the vet immediately. Treat this like any poison. Death can be a possibility.
Here are the effects of theobromine depending on the body weight of your dog.
Stage 1: At 20+ mg of theobromine per kg of body weight, your dog may look agitated or be hyperactive. He may also drool excessively, vomit or have diarrhea, which may smell like chocolate. Be on the safe side: call your veterinarian. He will advise whether you should perform first aid or bring him in for treatment.
Stage 2: At 40+ mg/kg your dog may show cardiac signs include racing heart rate, high blood pressure or even heart arrhythmias. Get your dog to a veterinarian.
Stage 3: At 60+ mg/kg your dog will start to show neurologic signs including tremors, twitching and even seizures. Medical care is essential.
Stage 4: At 200 mg/kg (approximately 100 mg/lb) is when death or serious complications can happen. Your dog will need to be in the hospital.
How much theobromine is toxic to your dog depends on the weight of your dog.
Theobromine has a long half-life. Half-life means the time it takes for the amount of a drug or toxin to reduce by half in the body. So it takes a while to leave the body. It can also be 6-12 hours before you see signs of poisoning. That’s several hours after your dog may have eaten chocolate.
Signs can last for days. During this time, the theobromine can get reabsorbed from the bladder and stay in the system.
Other signs you may see at any of the stages include …
- Increased thirst
- Panting
- Restlessness
- Excessive urination
In severe cases there may also be increased body temperature and reflex response, muscle stiffness and rapid breathing.
If your dog has any of these signs or if you have any doubt, go to the vet immediately. Treat this like any poison. Death can be a possibility.
How Long Does Chocolate Toxicity Last In Dogs?
If you acted quickly or obtained medical care, your dog won’t absorb as much theobromine. But it still takes time to leave the body, so recovery can be 1 to 3 days. If your dog was showing symptoms, he may be lethargic and have no appetite for a day or 2. If your dog showed no signs at all, you should watch him for a few days, just in case.
Caution With Sugar-Free Candy and Foods
The most dangerous treats a dog can get into are candy or gum containing xylitol. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener. And it’s not only used in candy and baking. It’s used in diabetic products, chocolate, sugar-free mints, chewable vitamins, toothpaste and oral-care products. That means keeping an eye on your toiletries as well as your snacks. Half a gram of xylitol per kilogram of body weight is all that’s needed to cause liver toxicity.
If you acted quickly or obtained medical care, your dog won’t absorb as much theobromine. But it still takes time to leave the body, so recovery can be 1 to 3 days. If your dog was showing symptoms, he may be lethargic and have no appetite for a day or 2. If your dog showed no signs at all, you should watch him for a few days, just in case.
Caution With Sugar-Free Candy and Foods
The most dangerous treats a dog can get into are candy or gum containing xylitol. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener. And it’s not only used in candy and baking. It’s used in diabetic products, chocolate, sugar-free mints, chewable vitamins, toothpaste and oral-care products. That means keeping an eye on your toiletries as well as your snacks. Half a gram of xylitol per kilogram of body weight is all that’s needed to cause liver toxicity.
