What to know and how to respond to chocolate poisoning
Chocolate is a favorite for many holidays including Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine's Day and as much as we humans love to indulge in the dark, sweet, and milky treats, our pets should not have chocolate. So, despite the hustle and bustle around these holidays, it's important to be mindful and ensure that chocolate stays out of reach of our furry friends.
Why Is Chocolate Toxic to Dogs
Chocolate is poisinous to dogs, primarily due to its theobromine content, a toxic alkaloid found in cacao beans. Theobromine, along with caffeine, falls under the umbrella of substances known as methylxanthines. While these compounds can act as diuretics, heart stimulants, and smooth muscle relaxants in humans, dogs are much more sensitive to their effects.
The real kicker? Dogs metabolize theobromine significantly slower than humans do. While humans might experience mild symptoms from consuming large amounts, theobromine lingers in a dog's system much longer, leading to increased toxicity. Different types of chocolate contain varying amounts of these methylxanthines, with darker and more bitter varieties posing the greatest risk to your furry friend. So, when it comes to chocolate, it's always better to be safe than sorry—keep it out of your pup's reach! [1]
Stages of Chocolate Poisoning
Did you know there are stages of chocolate poisoning in dogs? They have been developed from veterinary research and guidelines established by organizations such as the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and the Pet Poison Helpline. These stages are based on the known toxicity levels of theobromine, which varies in different types of chocolate.
Studies indicate that the effects of theobromine depend on the dosage relative to a dog’s weight. Toxicity levels are generally defined as follows:
1. Stage 1 (Mild Toxicity)
Theobromine Level: 20+mg per kg of body weight.
You will see symptoms of agitation, hyperactivity, excessive drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea (which may smell like chocolate). If you notice these signs, it's best to contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Hotline for advice.
2. Stage 2 (Moderate Toxicity)
Theobromine Level: 40+ mg per kg of body weight.
You will have cardiac symptoms such as a racing heart rate, increased blood pressure, or heart arrhythmias. As a pet parent, you may notice some of the symptoms listed in stage one plus cardiac symptoms. Place your hand over there heart and count the beats. This can vary based on size and age, but alert your veterinarian or pet poison hotline if 150-200 bpm (or more). Please take action, immediate veterinary attention is required.
3. Stage 3 (Severe Toxicity)
Theobromine Level: 60+ mg per kg of body weight.
At this stage symptoms could include neurological signs including tremors, twitching, and seizures. Urgent medical care is essential.
4. Stage 4 (Critical Toxicity)
Theobromine Level**: 200 mg per kg of body weight (approximately 100 mg/lb)
Symptoms at this stage may include extreme agitation, seizures, and possibly cardiac failure leading to death. Immediate hospitalization is necessary.
Theobromine Level Breakdowns
Now that we went through the stages and theobromine amounts in different chocolate types, how does that equate to the size of my dog? While small amounts of milk chocolate may not harm larger dogs, it can still be risky.
Dark vs Milk vs White Chocolates
- Dark Chocolate (70-85% cocoa): 810 mg theobromine per 3.6 oz
- Milk Chocolate: 64 mg theobromine per 1.55 oz
- White Chocolate: 0.25 mg theobromine per 1 oz
Below is a breakdown of the amount of theobromine in chocolate chip cookies that a 10-pound and 50-pound dog would need to consume to experience toxic effects.
For a 10-Pound Dog
- Stage 1 - 90 mg of theobromine (about 5 chocolate chip cookies)
- Stage 2 - 180 mg (about 9 chocolate chip cookies)
- Stage 3 - 270 mg (about 14 chocolate chip cookies)
- Stage 4 - 900 mg (about 45 chocolate chip cookies)
For a 50-Pound Dog
- Stage 1 - 450 mg of theobromine (about 22 chocolate chip cookies)
- Stage 2 - 900 mg (about 44 chocolate chip cookies)
- Stage 3 - 1350 mg (about 68 chocolate chip cookies)
- Stage 4 - 4500 mg (about 225 chocolate chip cookies)
Theobromine Levels in Popular Chocolate Products
1. Hershey’s Semi-Sweet Baking Bar (1 oz) - 110 mg theobromine [2]
2. Baking Chocolate, Unsweetened Square (1 oz) - 342 mg theobromine [4]
3.Chocolate Donut (3” diameter) - 12.6 mg theobromine [3]
4. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (1.58 oz) - 32.4 mg theobromine [5]
5. Chocolate Chip Cookie (2.25” diameter) - 20.3 mg theobromine [6]
How Long Does Chocolate Toxicity Last?
If you act quickly, there's a good chance they won't absorb as much theobromine, but be prepared for it to take 1 to 3 days for their system to clear it completely. If any symptoms do show up, like lethargy or a decreased appetite, don't panic—these can last for a day or two. Just keep a close watch on your furry friend for several days, even if they seem fine initially. Remember, theobromine has a long half-life, which means it sticks around longer in the body, and symptoms can sometimes appear 6 to 12 hours after your dog has indulged. Staying vigilant during this time is key.
What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Chocolate?
Is there anything to do at home? When should I be contacting the Pet Poison control or heading to your vet's office?
If you realize your dog has eaten chocolate, don’t wait for symptoms to kick in. Time is of the essence, and getting it out of their system quickly is key. Here are four must-have items for your first aid kit in case of chocolate emergencies:
- 3% Hydrogen peroxide
- Bentonite clay (food grade)
- 50 ml syringe (available in assorted sizes) Always good to have these on hand for numerous different occasions.
The Chocolate Ingestion Action Plan!
Step 1 - Stay Calm
Step 2 - Determine to the best of your ability - How Much Did Your Dog Eat?
- When did your dog eat the chocolate?
- How much chocolate did they consume?
- What type of chocolate was it?
- How much does your dog weigh?
Use this information to determine how many milligrams of theobromine (the toxic component in chocolate) your dog ingested.
If your dog has consumed a significant amount according to your calculations, contact the Pet Poison Hotline or your veterinarian right away. They can advise you on whether to induce vomiting and if other hame care action is necessary. If the chocolate amount and calculations are low and your dog shows no symptoms, you and your dog might be in the clear!
Step 3 - Make Your Dog Vomit
If your dog has just indulged in some chocolate within the last hour, it’s essential to act fast and induce vomiting. You can do this safely with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution mixed 1:1 with water. The general dosing is about 1 teaspoon per 5 pounds of your dog's body weight, capping it at 3 tablespoons for dogs weighing over 45 pounds.
To administer the peroxide, use a syringe to squirt it toward the back of your dog’s throat. Make sure to close their mouth and rub under their chin to encourage swallowing, or gently blow into their nose to help. After about 15 minutes, if they haven’t vomited, you can give them another dose—just don’t exceed that! In between doses, it is helpful to "bounce" small dogs or take your dog for a walk to get the hydrogen moving and help it bubble up the vomit. It will be foamy. Remember, the sooner the theobromine is out of their system, the better their chances for a smooth recovery.
Step 4 - Give Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay can be a fantastic ally for your dog, whether used alongside activated charcoal or on its own. This incredible clay works by binding toxins in the gut, keeping them from reaching the liver and kidneys. It also acts as a protector for the gut lining, helping to reduce nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
You can easily find bentonite clay as a nutritional supplement at health food stores. When adding it to your dog’s wet food, remember to avoid metal utensils or bowls, as the clay can absorb metals. Instead, opt for a ceramic or glass bowl and use a plastic spoon to mix it in.
Dosing Guidelines
- Less than 20 lbs - ½ teaspoon
- 20-50 lbs - 1 teaspoon
- 50-90 lbs - 1 tablespoon
- Greater than 90 lbs - 1-2 tablespoons
Always make sure your dog has access to clean water, as bentonite clay can be highly absorbable and may lead to constipation if they don’t stay hydrated. Keep a close eye on your furry friend for any signs of vomiting, diarrhea, thirst, or restlessness. [7] [8]
Bentonite clay can be beneficial for dogs that have ingested chocolate, but it is essential to consider timing and administration methods when using it in conjunction with hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is typically administered first to induce vomiting, especially if the dog has consumed chocolate within the last hour. This is crucial for expelling the theobromine from the dog's system as quickly as possible.
Bentonite clay should be given after hydrogen peroxide has been administered and after the dog has vomited. This allows for the removal of the chocolate before introducing bentonite clay, which can help bind any remaining toxins in the gut. Wait a short while after the vomiting has occurred before administering bentonite clay, to ensure that the stomach is settled. [2][3][8]
Homeopathic Remedy For Chocolate Toxicity
When it comes to homeopathic remedies for toxicity, my top choices are the single remedy Arsenicum and the reliable Your Go 2 from Adored Beast. These are my go-tos whenever one of my pets has ingested—or is suspected of ingesting—a toxin, including chocolate. Although I haven’t personally tried either remedy for chocolate toxicity, they have proven effective for various other situations.
Interestingly, the symptoms that arise from toxicity often align closely with those treated by Arsenicum. If this remedy is needed, you’ll typically notice vomiting and diarrhea happening simultaneously—though that’s not a strict rule. The affected animal may also show signs of significant restlessness and anxiety, often becoming very thirsty but only able to take small sips at a time.
Here’s a fun fact: one tiny white pellet can treat an elephant, while ten pellets might be enough for a mouse! I know, it sounds a bit wild, but it’s a common concern for pet parents about how much to give and how often. The good news is that the amount really isn’t a big deal; just keep administering the remedy until your dog starts to feel better. If the first remedy you try doesn’t seem to be doing the trick, feel free to switch to the other option I mentioned, or simply stop if it’s not effective.
One of the things I love most about homeopathic remedies is their versatility. You can start using them while you’re on the phone with your veterinarian or pet poison hotline. You can even re-administer them after inducing vomiting or continue them while you’re using bentonite clay or driving to the vet's office, depending on the situation. Homeopathic remedies either help or have no effect at all, and they can be easily mixed with other treatments, making them a fantastic addition to your pet care toolkit!
To make the most of homeopathic remedies, they should melt on the gums, so it’s best not to hide them in treats or food. Our dogs have a built-in pouch on the side of their mouths, which is perfect for placing the remedies. Try to avoid handling the pellets; instead, drop them straight from the bottle into your dog’s cheek. Remedies come in tiny white pellet or liquid form, and either can be placed directly into your dog’s cheek for optimal absorption.
What About Activated Charcoal?
While researching for this blog, I came across countless sites touting activated charcoal as a home remedy for chocolate toxicity in dogs, depending on how severe the situation is. However, after digging into the various instructions and warnings—and realizing just how complicated its administration can be—I decided to leave it off my list of home care recommendations. It's important to use activated charcoal with caution, and always consult with pet poison control or your veterinarian before giving it to your pup. That said, it might be a good idea to have some on hand; if your vet or the pet poison hotline recommends it for your dog, you'll be prepared!
For protocols you can start on your own, I suggest using hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting, followed by bentonite clay for dogs experiencing stage one or two theobromine toxicity, all while administering a homeopathic remedy. This powerful combination helps quickly remove the toxin, binds any remaining substances in the gut, and alleviates symptoms of gastrointestinal upset, ensuring your dog receives the safest care possible.
In Summary
The severity of chocolate poisoning depends on the type of chocolate consumed, the amount of theobromine present, and the size of the dog. If you suspect your dog has ingested chocolate, it's crucial to act quickly as early intervention can significantly improve outcomes.
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Citations
[1] Mason, R. (2021). Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs: Understanding Theobromine and Its Effects. Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care
[2] Pet Poison Helpline. (n.d.). Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs. https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/chocolate/
[3] ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. (n.d.). Chocolate and Dogs: What You Need to Know. https://www.aspca.org/news/chocolate-and-dogs-what-you-need-know
[4] Veterinary Toxicology: Basic and Clinical Principles* by R. Michael Peterson.
[5] Vetstreet. (n.d.). Chocolate and Dogs: What You Should Know. https://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/chocolate-and-dogs-what-you-should-know
[6] Merck Veterinary Manual. (n.d.). Chocolate Toxicity.
[7] PetMD. (n.d.). Bentonite Clay: Benefits and Uses for Pets. https://www.petmd.com
[8] Holistic Veterinary Care. (n.d.). Bentonite Clay for Dogs: Benefits and Dosage. https://holisticvet.com
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