How Much Chocolate Is Dangerous To Dogs?

Can dogs eat chocolate? Most people know they can’t, but how much chocolate is dangerous for dogs? If your German Shepherd happened to gobble up two blocks of milk chocolate while you weren’t looking, should you be rushing them to the vet? How about if your Chihuahua did the same? Chocolate can be extremely dangerous in high doses.

Below, we look at why chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats and look at the symptoms and treatment of chocolate toxicity.

Why is chocolate toxic to dogs and cats?

Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats because it contains theobromine and caffeine, which are both stimulants. Since dogs are pretty up there in terms of energy levels, they really don’t need stimulants. Because while humans love it, we can easily metabolise it.

Both dogs and cats process theobromine slowwwwly.

We’re talking so slowly that in the meantime the theobromine can accumulate in their systems. This can result in levels so dangerously high they cause toxicity. The level of danger can range from having an upset tummy to being life threatening.

How much chocolate is dangerous for dogs?

How much chocolate is dangerous for dogs depends on a few things:

• a) the size of your pet
• b) how light or dark (dark being more dangerous) the chocolate is
• c) the amount of chocolate they eat

Chocolate toxicity in pets can start with as little as 20mg of theobromine per kilo of your pet’s weight.  If you know how much chocolate your dog has eaten, you can use a chocolate toxicity calculator like this one.

The truth about cats and dogs and chocolate

As you would have noticed, how much chocolate is toxic to dogs is dependent on dog size and breed. It can mean the difference between danger or discomfort. For instance, a Corgi who’s broken into your secret chocolate stash could be in more danger than a Great Dane. (Speaking of big dogs, check out the biggest dog in the world).

Likewise, cats can also get a lot sicker from a smaller portion of chocolate than dogs. Their smaller body mass index makes them more susceptible to stronger effects. (Why not read up on the average cat weight.)

However, cats are less likely to try these tasty treats than dogs are. This is also why the dangers of chocolate and cats is lesser known. In addition to body size, some chocolates, namely cooking chocolate and dark chocolate, can be more dangerous. This is because these have a higher cocoa level. And as a result, they have more theobromine.

Symptoms of chocolate toxicity in dogs and cats

Chocolate toxicity in dogs can result in a wide range of symptoms from jitters to more life-threatening effects seizures. While we hope your dog doesn’t ever land up eating chocolate, here’s a list of symptoms it can cause:

• diarrhoea
• drooling
• hyperactivity
• increased thirst
• internal bleeding
• irregular heartbeat
• lack of coordination
• muscle tremors
• rapid breathing
• seizures
• vomiting

If you’re unsure whether your pet has eaten chocolate and they’re showing symptoms like these, take them to a vet. The sooner they’re treated, the more likely they are to recover and be safe.  

Prevention and treatment of chocolate toxicity

Preventing chocolate toxicity is all about taking practical steps. Keep all chocolate not just out of reach of your pets, but locked up. Don’t leave it lying on the kitchen counter or tabletop. Your dog loves taste testing everything as though life is a buffet – just ask Hazel, the Rhodesian Ridgeback whose curious tastebuds ran her into quite a lot of trouble.

Over chocolate-filled holidays like Easter or Christmas, you may even want to keep your pooch securely elsewhere or have a family member or friend take them for a walk. You could also call on Share My Pet‘s services just for the day.

A vet will treat toxicity in dogs based on how much and what type of chocolate the dog has eaten. Watch this PD Pet Care Vlog with Dr Cath for inside info on how vets treat chocolate toxicity in dogs:

Pet insurance for peace of mind

Now that you know why chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats, give your fur-legged friend the benefit of a soft landing with pet insurance. With PD Insurance’s range of plans, your cat and dog can receive the right care when they need it most.

If your puss or pooch happens to eat chocolate, a visit to the vet can make all the difference. A vet can act quickly and help combat the symptoms of chocolate toxicity in your pet.

All our pet plans reduce the cost of unexpected visits to the vet and offer a range of other vital benefits too. Our cat insurance and dog insurance plans are designed to give your pet optimum security without costing you an arm and a leg. Plus, you’ll get one or more months of FREE pet insurance when you buy a policy.

Click below to get a quote.