Everything You Need to Know About Chocolate Toxicity in Pets

Types of Chocolate

There are 4 main types of chocolate, each containing different amounts of caffeine and theobromine:

• White chocolate
• Milk chocolate
• Dark chocolate
• Semi-sweet or Bakers chocolate

White and milk chocolates contain few potential toxins. Dark and bakers chocolates contain more caffeine and theobromine, making them more dangerous for your dog or cat.

Signs of Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs and Cats

Clinical symptoms depend on the amount and type of chocolate ingested. Some symptoms can take hours to develop. Here are the most common symptoms your pet may have:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Death

The fat content in chocolate can also lead to pancreatitis, which can also be life-threatening. Common symptoms of pancreatitis include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

My pet ate chocolate, what do I do now?

If your dog or cat ingested chocolate, it’s important to know what type of chocolate (milk, dark, etc.) and how much may have been eaten. It’s always better to assume more was ingested if you aren’t sure.

Please set up a consult with us, call ASPCA Pet Poison Control, or try the online chocolate toxicity calculator to determine if your pet is at risk for severe illness. Remember, time is of the essence and your pet may need immediate help!

Treatment of Chocolate Toxicity

If your pet recently ingested chocolate, your vet may be able to make him vomit, reducing the amount of toxins absorbed into his system. Depending on how much time has passed since your pet ate chocolate, inducing vomiting may not be enough. Some pets will need to be hospitalized for 1-4 days on IV fluids, receive medications to control seizures and tremors, medications to help reduce further absorption of the toxins, and additional supportive care.

Additional Concerns

• Chocolate containing nuts: Some nuts, such as macadamia nuts, are also toxic to dogs. As few as 1-2 nuts per pound of body weight can cause additional toxicity.

• Marijuana chocolate edibles: The THC in marijuana can make it very hard for your pet to vomit. This means they are at risk for higher levels of toxin absorption. THC can also cause low blood pressure, urinary incontinence, and weakness.

• Baked chocolate treats containing artificial sweeteners: Some artificial sweeteners, like xylitol, are toxic to dogs. This sugar substitute can cause low blood sugar levels, weakness, collapse, and internal organ failure.

Read more:

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An Update on Grape and Raisin Toxicity in Dogs

7 Lesser-Known Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs

Need to speak with a veterinarian regarding your pet’s chocolate ingestion or another condition?

Click here to schedule a video consult to speak to one of our vets. You can also download the FirstVet app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Stores.