Food · 🐶 Dogs
Can dogs eat chocolate?
✕Toxic for dogs
No. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which dogs can’t process well. Dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous.
Why chocolate is dangerous
Dogs break down theobromine very slowly, so it builds up and overstimulates the heart and nervous system. How sick a dog gets depends on the type of chocolate and the dog’s size: baking chocolate and cocoa powder are many times stronger than milk chocolate, and white chocolate has very little.
Signs of poisoning
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Restlessness, panting and excitement
- Drinking and urinating more
- Racing heart or abnormal rhythm
- Tremors or seizures in severe cases
How much is dangerous?
For a small dog, even a few squares of dark chocolate can be dangerous. Milk chocolate usually takes more, but a whole bar can still make a medium dog sick.
What to do right now
Note the type and amount of chocolate and your dog’s weight, then call your vet or a poison line. They can tell you quickly whether it is a dangerous dose. Signs can start 6 to 12 hours later.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, Pet Poison Helpline, Merck Veterinary Manual. This is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet ate something and you’re worried, call your vet or a poison line right away.