Halloween, Valentine’s Day, Easter and Christmas or anytime there is a chocolate bender in your house there is a chance that your pup could inadvertently get into the chocolate stash or your dog could eat all of the chocolate presents meant for such occasions. Which may cause you to say:
My dog ate chocolate what should I do!?
First, determine what type of chocolate your dog ate. All different types of chocolate have different toxicity levels. Then assess chocolate toxicity by consulting out chocolate toxicity infographic to determine the most common sources of chocolate and the amount of chocolate that could lead to poisoning for your dog.
Mild signs of toxicity from Chocolate
If your dog just had a bit of chocolate you may want to just assess if they are susceptible to the side effects of mild toxicity from chocolate.
For a guideline of mild toxicity see the various types of chocolate and the corresponding amount that would need to be ingested for your dog to experience mild toxicity from chocolate ingestion.
White Chocolate: Mild signs of toxicity can occur when 45 ounces per pound of body weight is ingested. These high amounts mean that theobromine toxicity from white chocolate is highly unlikely.
Milk Chocolate: Mild signs of toxicity can occur when 0.7 ounces per pound of body weight is ingested.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Mild signs of toxicity can occur when 1/3 ounce per pound of body weight is ingested.
Severe signs occur when 1 ounce per pound of body weight is ingested. This means that as little as 6 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate can be toxic to the nervous system of a 20-pound dog.
Instant Cocoa: Mild signs of toxicity can occur when 1/3 ounce per pound of body weight is ingested.
Severe signs occur when 1 ounce per pound of body weight is ingested. This means that as little as 6 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate can be toxic to the nervous system of a 20-pound dog.
Baking Chocolate: Mild signs of toxicity can occur when 0.1 ounce per pound of body weight is ingested. Severe signs occur when 0.3 ounce per pound of body weight is ingested.
Two small one-ounce squares of baking chocolate can be toxic to a 20-pound dog. Once toxic levels are eaten, you may notice restlessness, hyperactivity, muscle twitching, increased urination, and excessive panting. The high fat content in chocolate can also cause vomiting and diarrhea.
What should you do if your dog or cat has ingested a high toxic level of chocolate?
If you do notice that your dog may have ingested a toxic level of chocolate you should call your vet immediately. You can find a vet using our partnership with Wag here. Your vet may prescribe charcoal to you to provide to your pet which will soak up the toxins. Has your dog every eaten chocolate? Tell us in the comments below?
