Chocolate Toxicity

Is chocolate toxic to dogs?

Yes, chocolate is toxic to dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are similar compounds and cause similar clinical signs such as an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, agitation, tremors, and potentially seizures, depending on the dose.

While rarely fatal, chocolate ingestion can result in significant illness. Dogs metabolize theobromine and caffeine differently than people, making them more sensitive to the chemicals’ effects.

How much chocolate is poisonous to a dog?

The amount of theobromine in chocolate varies with the type of chocolate, so the dose of theobromine is calculated using the amount and type of chocolate ingested. The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more dangerous it is to dogs. Cocoa beans have the most theobromine, followed by unsweetened cocoa powder, then, in order from most to least, baked unsweetened dark/baking chocolate, semisweet chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate with the least theobromine.

Even if the dose of theobromine is not toxic, dogs can still develop vomiting, diarrhea, or pancreatitis from the fat and sugar in chocolate.

What are the clinical signs of chocolate poisoning?

Clinical signs depend on the dose of theobromine ingested. For many dogs, the most common clinical signs are vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, panting or restlessness, excessive urination, and racing heart rate. In severe cases, symptoms can include cardiac arrhythmias, muscle tremors, and seizures. Complications such as aspiration pneumonia from vomiting or prolonged clinical signs can make the prognosis for chocolate poisoning worse. Clinical signs of chocolate poisoning can take several hours to develop and signs can last for several days.

What should I do if my dog eats chocolate?

Contact your veterinarian, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661  to see if a poisonous amount of chocolate has been ingested. If a toxic amount was ingested, immediate evaluation by a veterinarian will be recommended. The sooner treatment begins, the better your dog's prognosis and the less costly the treatment.

What is the treatment for chocolate poisoning?

Treatment depends on the dose of theobromine ingested. Treatment recommendations may include decontamination, gastrointestinal (GI) support, fluid support, heart rate monitoring, and blood pressure monitoring. If clinical signs occur, treatment is supportive and symptomatic.

I saw a treat for dogs that contains chocolate. Isn't this dangerous?

Many gourmet dog treats use carob as a chocolate substitute. Carob looks like chocolate and the two are often confused. Some specialty dog bakeries will use a small amount of milk chocolate in treats. Since the amount of theobromine is typically low, this may be safe for most dogs. Please ask your veterinarian if you are concerned about the risk to your dog before giving them any treats containing small amounts of chocolate or carob.

What about cats? Is chocolate toxic for cats?

Chocolate poses as great a threat to cats just as much as it does to dogs. Just a small amount of chocolate is toxic to cats. Please do not feed your cats chocolate and follow the same steps as for dogs listed above if you find your cat has ingested chocolate in any form (contact your veterinarian or call Pet Poison Helpline).