You might be wondering ‘why can’t dogs have chocolate’ particularly if it’s a small amount, but this is very dangerous for your four-legged friend.
Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which are toxic to dogs. While the fat and sugar in chocolate can cause stomach upset and, in some cases, trigger conditions such as pancreatitis, it’s the effects of theobromine on the body that are most concerning. Theobromine impacts the central nervous and cardiovascular systems, which can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening symptoms if left untreated.
Easter is a particularly common time for dogs to consume chocolate, as we’re all enjoying seasonal treats. However, unlike humans, dogs can’t metabolise theobromine quickly enough. This means it builds up in their system and can lead to chocolate poisoning if left untreated.
There are a few things you can do and some signs to look out for ensuring you spot symptoms early and get your dog the right treatment.
In this blog we’ll outline common chocolate poisoning symptoms, steps to take if you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, and some tips to keep your furry friends safe this easter and all year through.
Why Can’t Dogs Have Chocolate?
As mentioned in the intro, chocolate contains theobromine which is toxic to dogs as they can’t metabolise theobromine and caffeine in the way that humans can.
However, aside from that, it also contains a lot of caffeine, sugar, and fat which don’t sit well in their stomach and can lead to pancreatitis (an inflammation of the pancreas), dental disease, and obesity. These effects can be serious if left untreated, and even fatal.
In terms of consumption, any amount of chocolate is bad for dogs. However the level of risk depends on the amount of chocolate consumed and the size of the dog. For example, a larger dog such as a Labrador or Golden Retriever might be fine if they eat a small amount of chocolate but that same quantity could prove very serious in a smaller bread such as a Jack Russell.
Furthermore, the type of chocolate consumed is also very important as dark chocolate contains more cocoa than milk or white chocolate and therefore has higher levels of theobromine. However, consumption of a large quantity of white chocolate may not have serious theobromine levels but it will have significant sugar and fat content which could cause digestive upset (vomiting and diarrhoea) and could also lead to pancreatitis.
Therefore both the type and amount of chocolate are the main concerns. That’s why it’s important to seek veterinary advice as soon as you suspect your dog has eaten any chocolate.
Below are some signs to look out for.
Chocolate Poisoning In Dogs Symptoms
It’s important to know the symptoms of chocolate poisoning so you can detect it early and seek advice from your vet.
Below are some common signs, although you will know your dog a lot better so it’s important to also look out for unusual behaviour.
- Over excitement – Does your dog seem more hyper than usual? Perhaps they’re experiencing sudden bursts of energy and are running around a lot not being able to settle. This can be down to the sugar content.
- Agitation – Does your dog appear restless or unsettled, pacing around the house? They might appear anxious for no obvious reason.
- Vomiting – Has your dog started vomiting all of a sudden? This can be due to gastrointestinal upset caused by fat and sugar, or could be secondary to theobromine toxins.
- Diarrhoea – Are their stools more loose or watery than usual? The toxins in chocolate irritate your dog’s digestive system, affecting their bowels.
- Frequent peeing – Is your dog drinking more than usual and needing a pee more often? Theobromine, one of the substances in chocolate, has a diuretic effect and can cause increased urination.
- Fast breathing – Is your dog panting heavily or breathing much quicker than normal, even when they haven’t been exercising? This can be a sign that chocolate is affecting their nervous system or their cardiovascular system.
- Trembling / Shaking – Is your dog shaking or trembling? This can range from mild shivering to noticeable muscle tremors and should be taken seriously, as it suggests the poisoning may be worsening.
What To Do If You Suspect Chocolate Poisoning
If you suspect your dog has eaten any amount of chocolate, follow the steps below. It’s important you don’t wait for symptoms to appear – if you think your dog has consumed chocolate the first thing to do is speak to your vet.
Contact Your Vet
Regardless of what breed of dog you have, or what type of chocolate you think your dog has consumed, contact your vet straight away. The longer the chocolate is inside of your dog, the more toxins can be absorbed into their system.
The vet will need to see your dog immediately so they can assess the amount of chocolate consumed, the level of risk, and begin treatment if necessary.
Types of Treatment
The treatment your vet administers will depend on the level of severity and how much chocolate has been consumed. They will assess this during the appointment, but there a few different ways to treat it including:
- Induced vomiting – If your dog is taken to the vet soon after eating chocolate, they may give a safe injection to make them vomit.
- Activated charcoal – In some cases, the vet may give charcoal to absorb leftover toxins, and sometimes provide some to continue at home.
- Fluid therapy – A drip may be needed to keep your dog hydrated and support their organs while the toxins leave their system.
- Sedation – For severe symptoms such as tremors or seizures, your dog may be sedated to keep them safe.
If your dog accidentally eats chocolate, products like Charcozorb below can help absorb toxins and support their digestive system.
Outlook/ Recovery
Fortunately in most cases, chocolate poisoning in dogs is not fatal and it can be treated effectively. With the right treatment your dog will make a full recovery and will continue to live a healthy life with no long-term effects.
However you must act as soon as you suspect chocolate ingestion as this gives your dog the best possible chance of treatment and recovery.
How to Prevent Chocolate Poisoning
There are some simple ways to prevent chocolate poisoning whilst still rewarding and treating your dog. We know that pet parents want their four legged friends to enjoy the same goodies as them, but it’s important to understand that a dog’s body works very differently from ours.
By following the simple steps below, you can have a healthy and happy dog whilst still treating them every so often.
Keep chocolate away from dogs
This is the first step to preventing chocolate ingestion as dogs can be scavengers! Especially breeds such as Labradors and Beagles (due to them being greedy!), so it’s important to keep chocolate out of reach and place it in a sealed container. This will also dampen the scent as dogs have an extremely strong sense of smell. If you have small children who are more likely to feed your dog chocolate, make sure you explain clearly that chocolate is dangerous and supervise interactions.
Avoid all types of chocolate, including cocoa powder
There’s no ‘safe’ type of human chocolate for dogs as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, baking chocolate, and cocoa powder all contain varying levels of theobromine. They are all harmful to your dog so treat every type the same.
Give safe dog treats as a reward
As a vet-owned and vet-run online pharmacy we love your pets as if they were our own and we understand that you want to treat your dog from time to time. Instead of chocolate, reward your dog with safe treats made specifically for dogs. There are lots of tasty options that are completely safe and just as enjoyable.
Explore Dog Treats
Chocolate Poisoning FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions around chocolate consumption and chocolate poisoning in dogs. This is something lots of pet parents worry about and the answers below should help you navigate this situation if it occurs.
Can dogs have any type of chocolate?
Any type of chocolate is harmful for dogs. However, dark chocolate is the worst, containing high levels of theobromine, milk chocolate is less concentrated but still dangerous, and white chocolate contains little theobromine but should still be avoided. That said, treat all human chocolate as unsafe for dogs.
How long after eating chocolate will a dog get sick?
Symptoms can appear within 2-4 hours, but in some cases may take up to 24 hours. Theobromine stays in a dog’s system for a long time, which is why you need to act quickly.
Why Can’t Dogs Have Chocolate? Easter Safety for Dogs and Other Hazards
Knowing why dogs can’t have chocolate and the signs to look out for helps you keep your dog happy and healthy all year round.
It’s not about restricting your dogs from treats, but making sure the treats they do have are safe and suited to their stomach. Easter means more chocolate than usual around the house so being aware of what to do should your dog consume any chocolate is key. Also making sure other family members are aware of the risk and what to do in the event of your dog ingesting chocolate is equally as important.
At Cura, we’re a vet-owned and vet-run online pharmacy offering a range of prescription and non-prescription products alongside dog treats, accessories, and grooming. We’re passionate about animals and keeping them safe is our top priority. Should you have any questions about your dog’s health, please do not hesitate to contact us.
