Can Dogs Eat Chocolate?
Absolutely not—under no circumstances. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and can have deadly consequences. The reason lies in substances called methylxanthines, which are harmless to humans but highly dangerous to dogs due to their vastly different metabolism.
What Are Methylxanthines?
Methylxanthines are a group of compounds that include:
- Theobromine: Found in chocolate, desserts, sweets, puddings and even ice cream.
- Caffeine: Found in chocolate, coffee and coffee beans.
These substances are highly toxic to dogs, with Theobromine being the primary culprit in chocolate-related poisoning.
Why Is Chocolate Dangerous?
The danger of chocolate is determined by the combined concentration of methylxanthines, typically measured in milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg) of body weight. Even small amounts of chocolate can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid heart rate, tremors, or seizures—and in severe cases, it can be fatal. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate contain especially high levels of these toxins, making them even more dangerous.
Keep Your Dog Safe
Always keep chocolate and chocolate-based products out of reach of your dog. If your dog accidentally consumes chocolate, seek veterinary care immediately. Quick action can save your pet’s life.
By understanding the risks and being cautious, you can ensure your furry friend stays safe and healthy.
Chocolate Toxicity Calculator for Dogs
Symptoms of Chocolate Poisoning
Signs of chocolate poisoning in pets usually appear within 6 to 12 hours after eating it. Early symptoms may include drinking a lot of water, vomiting, diarrhoea, a swollen belly and being unusually restless or fidgety.
As the poisoning gets worse, pets may become overly active, urinate more than usual, have trouble walking, or show stiff or shaky movements. Severe symptoms can include seizures, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, rapid breathing, bluish gums, high blood pressure, overheating, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, or even slipping into a coma. In later stages, low potassium levels may cause heart problems.
In fatal cases, death is often caused by heart failure, overheating, or trouble breathing. Additionally, the high fat in chocolate can lead to pancreatitis in pets that are prone to it.
Based on ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) experience, mild signs occur in animals ingesting 20 mg/kg of theobromine and caffeine, severe signs are seen at 40-50 mg/kg, and seizures occur at 60 mg/kg (ASPCA/APCC Database: Unpublished data).
Methylxanthines can cross the placenta and pass into the milk, so unborn or nursing offspring can be affected by chocolate toxicosis in the mother.