How much chocolate can a dog eat?

Chocolate is toxic to dogs as it contains theobromine and caffeine. Here you can learn why chocolate is dangerous to dogs, what quantity causes issues, common symptoms and when you should contact a veterinarian.

How much chocolate is dangerous for a dog?

A 10-kilogram dog can eat up to 15 grams of dark chocolate without developing such severe symptoms that a veterinarian or animal hospital needs to be contacted. If the dog has eaten light chocolate instead, it can eat up to 150 grams. Four times that dose can lead to death. Pralines, chocolate chips with filling, often contain less chocolate. The dog can then eat about twice as much without serious symptoms occurring. If a large amount of chocolate has been ingested, the vet may need to vomit the dog quickly.

Why is chocolate dangerous for dogs?

Chocolate contains cocoa, which in turn contains theobromine and caffeine, which is toxic to dogs. Above all, it is theobromine that is toxic to dogs, but also caffeine. How much chocolate a dog can handle depends on the size of the dog and the amount of theobromine in the chocolate that the dog has ingested. The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine.

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs

Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Increased thirst
Incontinence
Shakes
Increased saliva secretion
Palpitations

What happens if dogs eat chocolate?

Usually, the dog starts vomiting within 2-4 hours after ingestion. The dog may become anxious, urinate profusely, and later it may have convulsions.

What should I do if my dog has eaten chocolate?

Try to estimate how much the dog has eaten and find out how much cocoa the chocolate contains. Contact your vet if your dog has ingested a large amount of chocolate or is showing symptoms of poisoning.

Treatment of chocolate poisoning

If your dog has recently ingested chocolate, the vet may try to vomit your dog to avoid poisoning and give the dog charcoal. If the dog has already developed symptoms, the vet treats it based on them. In case of symptoms such as palpitations or cramps, the dog needs to be cared for at a clinic.

Prevent your dog from getting chocolate poisoning

Avoid your dog getting chocolate poisoning by storing chocolate out of your dog's reach or keeping the chocolate under supervision during Christmas, for example, when it may be laid out.