Can Dogs Eat Chocolate?
No, chocolate is toxic to dogs and should never be given to them. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which dogs cannot metabolize effectively. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are most dangerous; even small amounts can cause vomiting, rapid breathing, seizures, or death. Contact a vet immediately if your dog eats chocolate.
Key Takeaways
- Dogs metabolize theobromine much slower than humans - a dose that is harmless to us can be lethal to dogs.
- Some dogs may eat chocolate and show no symptoms, but this does not mean it is safe - damage may still occur.
- Chocolate-flavored products and carob are generally safe as they contain no theobromine.
Explanation
Dogs metabolize theobromine much slower than humans - a dose that is harmless to us can be lethal to dogs. Theobromine affects the heart, central nervous system, and kidneys. Symptoms typically appear within 6-12 hours and include vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, rapid breathing, muscle tremors, and seizures.
Toxicity depends on the type of chocolate and the dog's size. Baking chocolate and dark chocolate have the highest theobromine content (130-450 mg per ounce). Milk chocolate has less (44-58 mg per ounce). White chocolate has negligible theobromine but is still unhealthy due to fat and sugar content.
A toxic dose is approximately 20 mg of theobromine per kilogram of body weight. For a 20-pound dog, this means just 1 ounce of baker's chocolate or 3 ounces of dark chocolate could be dangerous. If your dog eats chocolate, note the type and amount, and call your vet or poison control immediately.
Things to Know
- Some dogs may eat chocolate and show no symptoms, but this does not mean it is safe - damage may still occur.
- Chocolate-flavored products and carob are generally safe as they contain no theobromine.
- Cats are also sensitive to chocolate but are less likely to eat it.