Dogs and Chocolate: Why The Two Don’t Mix

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

Death by Chocolate isn’t just a funny name for a dessert – it’s a reality for canines. Here’s why dogs and chocolate don’t mix and what to do if your pooch eats it.

Dogs have a tendency to eat whatever they can get their paws on, especially things that aren’t good for them. You’ve probably heard dogs and chocolate can be a deadly mix, but do you know why? Understanding exactly what happens to your dog when he eats chocolate can help you to prepare for the worst if your dog gets into something that he shouldn’t.

Related:Top 10 Foods That Are Bad For Dogs

Why Dogs and Chocolate Don’t Get Along

Chocolate is made from the seeds of the cacao plant and it contains two ingredients that can be harmful to dogs. The first is caffeine which typically does not result in poisoning but can still cause complications, especially in small dogs. More dangerous, however, is the chemical theobromine which is found in greater quantities – especially in dark chocolate. Theobromine can act as a diuretic, a blood vessel dilator, a muscle relaxant, and a heart stimulant. If ingested in significant quantities, theobromine can actually lead to poisoning. Different types of chocolate have different levels of theobromine, so your dog might have different side effects if he eats milk chocolate than if he eats baking chocolate. Milk chocolate only contains about 45 to 60mg of theobromine per ounce whereas baking chocolate or dark chocolate contains as much as 450 mg per ounce.

Related:Chock Full Of Carob Chip Dog Treat Recipe

Symptoms of Chocolate Poisoning

A toxic dose of theobromine may be as little as 20mg per kilogram of your dog’s body weight – this amount of theobromine could cause symptoms like excessive drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea. At larger doses of 40mg per kilogram body weight or more, your dog might experience more severe symptoms including racing heartbeat, high blood pressure, and even cardiac arrhythmia. If your dog ingests 60mg per kilogram bodyweight of theobromine, he may experience neurologic symptoms including twitching, tremors, or seizures. Your dog’s reaction to theobromine poisoning may vary depending on his size, but doses as high as 200mg per kilogram bodyweight have been known to be fatal. Unfortunately, symptoms of chocolate poisoning may take a few hours to develop and they have been known to last for several days in extreme cases.

What to Do if Your Dog Eats Chocolate

If your dog eats chocolate, your first step is to contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Control Hotline. You will also need to determine how much chocolate your dog ate and what type – this will help to determine your dog’s risk for theobromine poisoning. If your dog begins to display symptoms of theobromine poisoning you may need to induce vomiting and then have your dog examined by a veterinarian. In extreme cases, your veterinarian may administer activated charcoal to help stop your dog’s body from absorbing the theobromine. IV fluids may also help to dilute the toxin in your dog’s bloodstream to help prevent poisoning. Even if your dog only ingests a small amount of chocolate – not enough to require induced vomiting – you should monitor him for side effects over the next 24 to 48 hours.

To keep dogs and chocolate away from each other, while still satisfying your sweet tooth, make sure that all forms of this dessert is out of you pup’s reach. Even if you are careful, however, your dog may still get into things that he shouldn’t. In the event that your dog eats chocolate, understanding the risks and knowing what to do could save your dog from the effects of theobromine poisoning.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Chicken Turtle

There are three species of Chicken Turtle, and they are the Eastern Chicken Turtle, the Florida Chicken Turtle, and the Western Chicken Turtle.
Vosmaer’s Parrot

If you''re on the lookout for a unique parrot with a great personality, the Vosmaer''s Parrot could be the perfect choice for you.
Adoptable Dog of the Week – Berkley

Meet Berkley, our Adoptable Dog of the Week from Adoptapet.com. This little fellow is a Rat Terrier mix that lives in New Milford, CT and can’t wait to…
Belgian Sheepdog

Elegant, sporting a lovely basic black coat, the Belgian Sheepdog is graceful and versatile. He is happiest when he has specific duties to perform.
Play With Your Dog From Anywhere With the GoBone Remote Control Toy

Are you stuck at a 9-to-5 job while your dog is stuck at home? Your dog will love this interactive toy that keeps them mentally and physically stimulated.
Rex Rabbit

The Rex rabbit has short, soft fur that points out instead of against their bodies, making this breed super plushy. It is a generally docile rabbit.
New Zealand Red Rabbit

Best known for their vivid ginger coat and great personality, the New Zealand Red Rabbit is ideal for first time owners and families with children.
You Need These Life-Sized Lego-Like Cats!

Ever wanted a life-size replica of your cat made from Lego-like bricks? A Hong Kong company makes ''building blocks for kidults,'' has you covered!
Red Rumped Parrot

The charming Red Rumped Parrot can be a great pet for every owner, and a good introduction into the world of aviary pet parrots.
Skypoo

The affectionate Skypoo brings together the intelligence of the fun-loving Miniature Poodle and the energy of the Skye Terrier for a wonderful family dog.
Adventures In Dog Sitting: Let The Fun Begin (Part 2)

Let''s hear it from the dogs! Mickey and Oscar tell their side of the story during our first few days together as we embark in our doggy sitting adventure.
What Is Patellar Luxation In Dogs?

Patellar Luxation in dogs can be a pain in the knee - is your pooch at risk? Let''s talk about go over the basics, its symptoms, and treatment options.
GoFundMe Campaign Helps Grandfather Care for Stray Cats

For the past 20 years, Willie Ortiz has been looking after stray cats in his hometown. Help him continue his work caring for these homeless pets.
Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Muesli

Meet Muesli, our Adoptable Dog of the Week from Adoptapet.com. Muesli is residing in McKinney, TX and can’t wait to to find his forever home. This pure…
Best Dog Cake Mix

We’ve handpicked the best dog cake mix options on the market, with recipe variations to suit any dog’s taste preferences – and any pet parent’s cooking skill. All of these are super easy to make, prepared with healthy, natural ingredients, and most importantly, tend to be an instant hit with our four-legged besties.