Chocolate poisoning in dogs can happen with small amounts, and dark chocolate is the most dangerous. If your dog has eaten chocolate, call your vet or nearest emergency vet straight away. Tell them the type of chocolate, roughly how much your dog ate and when, and bring the wrapper with you.
Don’t try to make your dog vomit at home. Vets do this safely in the clinic.
Why chocolate is toxic to dogs
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine. People process these quickly, but dogs break them down much more slowly. The chemicals build up in a dog’s body and affect the heart, nervous system and gut, according to Sydney Animal Hospitals.
RSPCA Queensland warns that just 50 grams of chocolate can be toxic and kill a dog.
Which chocolate is most dangerous?
The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains and the higher the risk. From most to least dangerous:
- Cocoa powder
- Baking or cooking chocolate
- Dark chocolate
- Milk chocolate
- White chocolate, the least risky for poisoning, but still high in fat and sugar
Sydney Animal Hospitals notes that as little as 20 to 40 grams of dark chocolate can cause severe chocolate poisoning in small dogs.
How much chocolate is dangerous for a dog?
The risk depends on your dog’s weight and the type of chocolate. Vets work it out from the amount of theobromine per kilogram of body weight. Sydney Animal Hospitals gives these guides:
| Theobromine per kg of body weight | Likely effect |
|---|---|
| From 20 mg/kg | Mild poisoning |
| 40–50 mg/kg | Moderate to severe poisoning |
| From 60 mg/kg | Life-threatening |
You don’t need to do the maths. Call your vet with your dog’s weight, the chocolate type and the amount, and they will tell you whether your dog needs treatment.
Signs of chocolate poisoning in dogs
Signs usually appear within 1 to 6 hours of eating chocolate, and sometimes sooner. Watch for:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Restlessness, hyperactivity or panting
- Drooling
- Drinking and urinating more than usual
- A fast or irregular heartbeat
- Muscle tremors or wobbliness
- Seizures
In serious cases, dogs can collapse, go into a coma or die, according to RSPCA Queensland. Don’t wait for signs to appear. Treatment works best when it starts early.
What to do if your dog eats chocolate
- Stay calm and stop your dog eating more. Move any leftover chocolate out of reach.
- Check the wrapper. Note the type of chocolate and estimate how much is missing.
- Call your vet or emergency vet. Give your dog’s weight, the chocolate type, the amount and when it happened.
- Don’t make your dog vomit at home. Home remedies can damage the mouth, throat and gut.
- Go in if your vet asks. Bring the wrapper with you.
How vets treat chocolate poisoning
Treatment depends on how much your dog ate and how long ago. Sydney Animal Hospitals lists these treatments:
- Making your dog vomit to empty the stomach, if it’s soon after eating
- Activated charcoal to stop more theobromine being absorbed
- Intravenous fluids
- Medicine for nausea, seizures or heart rhythm problems
- Monitoring, sometimes overnight in hospital for severe cases
How to prevent chocolate poisoning
Christmas and Easter are peak times for chocolate poisoning in dogs, because chocolate is everywhere.
- Keep chocolate in closed cupboards or up high, never on low tables.
- Don’t put chocolate gifts under the Christmas tree.
- Ask guests and children not to share treats with your dog.
- Check handbags and backpacks are zipped and off the floor.
- Watch for cakes, biscuits and drinks that contain cocoa.
Grapes and raisins are another festive danger. Read why grapes and raisins are dangerous for dogs, or see our guide to human foods that are safe for dogs.
FAQ
How long after eating chocolate will a dog get sick?
Signs of chocolate poisoning in dogs usually appear within 1 to 6 hours, and sometimes sooner. Call your vet straight away rather than waiting for signs.
Is milk chocolate safe for dogs?
No. Milk chocolate has less theobromine than dark chocolate, but a large amount can still poison a dog, especially a small one.
Is white chocolate toxic to dogs?
White chocolate is the least likely to cause poisoning, because the risk rises the darker the chocolate. It’s still high in fat and sugar and can upset your dog’s stomach. Check with your vet if your dog has eaten a lot.
Should I make my dog vomit after eating chocolate?
No. Don’t make your dog vomit at home. Home remedies can cause harm. Call your vet, who can do it safely in the clinic if needed.
Can cats get chocolate poisoning?
Yes. RSPCA Queensland notes that both dogs and cats can’t tolerate theobromine. Cats are less likely to eat chocolate, but call your vet if they do.
Be ready for the unexpected
Poisoning can mean an urgent trip to the emergency vet. Find out how dog insurance could help with unexpected vet bills.
Sources
This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from your vet. If your dog has eaten chocolate, contact your vet or nearest emergency vet straight away.