Vet's Corner
By Dr. Sandra Neumann
Chocolate Toxicity
One for you – one for me – none for the dog. That pretty much sums it up. Most dog owners know by now that chocolate is toxic to dogs and can kill their best friend. The question is how toxic is it? Do you have to panic if your 50kg Labrador Retriever eats a bite-sized chocolate bar? Short answer – no. Long answer: Let’s look at why chocolate is toxic, how it kills, and when to worry.
What is dangerous to dogs is not the chocolate in itself but the theobromine it contains. This is a xanthine compound that is in the same family as caffeine.
Generally it takes a fairly large amount of theobromine 100-150 mg/kg to cause a toxic reaction. So it is important to know that different types of chocolate contain different amounts of theobromine.
| Milk Chocolate | 44 mg theobromine per 28 grams |
| Semisweet Chocolate | 150 mg theobromine per 28 grams |
| Baker's Chocolate | 390 mg theobromine per 28 grams |
White chocolate is the safest. Your dog can eat any amount and be safe. If your 10kg dog eats 3 kg of white chocolate s/he will still be okay.
If, on the other hand, your 10kg dog eats 100gm of Milk chocolate or instant cocoa powder s/he will show signs of vomiting and diarrhea.
If s/he eats the same amount of dark, sweet chocolate s/he will show signs of seizures or tremors.
The same amount of semi-sweet chocolate chips, 60%, 72%, 86% chocolate, or Baker’s chocolate, dry cocoa powder, cocoa beans or ground or mulch can kill your dog.
Xanthines affect the nervous system, cardiovascular system and peripheral nerves. Signs to look for include:
- Hyper excitability
- Hyper irritability
- Restlessness
- Increased urination
- Muscle tremors
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
There is no specific antidote for chocolate poisoning. The half life of the toxin is 17.5 hours in dogs.
Within the first 1-2 hours of ingestion you can try and induce vomiting.
All other treatment is largely supportive and depends on the symptoms your dog shows. It may be necessary to hospitalize your dog to provide IV fluids and supportive care.
If you suspect or know your dog has ingested chocolate contact your veterinarian immediately. S/he can help you determine the proper treatment for your pet.