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Why Chocolate is Bad & Poisonous To Dogs?

chocolate bad for dogs
Written by Mark Braeden

As responsible pet owners, it’s crucial for us to be aware of the potential dangers lurking in our homes, and one of them happens to be a treat we humans adore: chocolate. Yes, you read it right. While it may be a tasty indulgence for us, chocolate can cause devastating health problems for our canine companions. In this blog post, we’ll answer questions like “Can dogs eat chocolate” (the short and sweet- pun intended- answer is NO) and”Why is chocolate bad for dogs,” (that requires a longer answer). By the time we’re done today, you’ll have the essential knowledge to keep your four-legged buddies safe and sound. So, let’s jump right in!

Can Dogs Eat Chocolate?

Picture this: you come home from a long day, and there it is, a box of chocolates sitting temptingly on the kitchen counter. You might be thinking of grabbing one for yourself, but wait a minute—what about Fido? Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, and that sweet, irresistible aroma of chocolate can be just as tantalizing to them as it is to us. But here’s the catch: chocolate contains substances that can have severe adverse effects on their health.

Let me say that again for those in the back: Chocolate is dangerous for dogs. Full stop. Just how dangerous depends on the type, how much your dog managed to eat, and Fido’s size/weight, though. We’ll get to what you need to know about that. First, let’s answer the second question that’s on everyone’s mind: WHY is chocolate so bad for dogs?

Why Is Chocolate Bad for Dogs?

The primary culprits in chocolate that make it dangerous for dogs are two chemicals called theobromine and caffeine. Theobromine, in particular, is the real troublemaker here. It belongs to a group of compounds known as methylxanthines, which act as stimulants for the central nervous system. While we humans can metabolize these substances without much trouble, dogs process them much more slowly, leading to a toxic buildup in their system.

Here’s the scary part: around 100-150 milligrams per kilogram of body weight is toxic to dogs. Less than a bar of chocolate can contain around 3000 milligrams of theobromine depending on the type of chocolate.

So, why does theobromine pose a threat to our canine companions? Well, it affects various organs in their bodies, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, and central nervous system. Theobromine stimulates the heart, causing it to beat faster and potentially leading to an irregular heartbeat. This, in turn, can result in increased blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, and even heart failure in severe cases. Dogs that ingest large amounts of chocolate may exhibit symptoms such as restlessness, rapid breathing, increased thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, and seizures.

Veterinarians report that chocolate is one of the leading culprits in dog poisoning. But poisoning ultimately depends on the amount taken and the size of the dog. One amount of chocolate may not be poisonous for large dogs, but it can be lethal for small ones. Remember that there is no need to panic, there is still time to get treatment and ease your furry friend.

Now, you might be wondering, “What about different types of chocolate? Are they all equally harmful to dogs?” Great question! Let’s discuss.

Can Dog Eat White Chocolate? Are ALL Types Equally Harmful?

The level of toxicity in chocolate depends on its cocoa content. Dark chocolate contains higher amounts of theobromine than milk chocolate, making it more dangerous for our furry friends. White chocolate, on the other hand, has very little theobromine, so it poses a lower risk. However, it’s important to remember that even small amounts of any type of chocolate can cause harm to our beloved canines, especially smaller breeds.

As for the rest of the different types, while they’re not all equally bad, they are all bad to some degree. A good rule of thumb is the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is to your dog. 

The highest level of theobromine is found in cocoa, unsweetened baker’s chocolate, semisweet chocolate, and dark chocolate. Chocolate chip cookies- which use semisweet chips- can even cause trouble for small dogs. Experts say that 1 ounce of milk chocolate per pound of body weight can be fatal to our dogs. If your dog accidentally eats dark chocolate, it’s better to be on the safe side and call your vet asap.  

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Effects of Chocolate on Dogs

Dog is trying to eat chocolate

As mentioned, the size or weight of your dog plays a role in how fast they will experience the effect of the poison. Larger dogs can eat more chocolate than smaller dogs without experiencing life-threatening issues (although they’ll still get sick, so don’t use that as an excuse to give it to your dog). Even mild effects include extreme thirst, hyperactivity, upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting. 

Dogs who ingest larger amounts of chocolate can suffer far more serious effects like muscle tremors, shaking, irregular heartbeat, panting, internal bleeding, seizures, or even heart attack. 

If you think your dog has eaten chocolate, do not wait for the warning signs to show anymore. It may take 4 to 24 hours before the effects show up. Theobromine stays in your dog’s body for a while. It can even stay for as long as 72 hours but immediate treatment and action can help your dog recover faster.

Once theobromine enters the dog’s bloodstream, the chemical’s half-life is about 17.5 hours. If your furry friend accidentally eats chocolate and shows no signs of ill effects after 24 hours, it is usually safe to assume that he will be fine soon.

Before we move on and discuss treatment options, let’s quickly talk about the role of caffeine and why it’s bad for our furry companions. While theobromine takes center stage when it comes to the toxicity of chocolate, caffeine plays a supporting but equally detrimental role.

Why is caffeine bad for dogs?

Caffeine is a well-known stimulant that affects the central nervous system, just like theobromine. In fact, both substances belong to the same family of methylxanthines. When ingested by dogs, caffeine can lead to a range of adverse effects, exacerbating the dangers posed by the theobromine content.

Similar to humans, dogs can experience increased heart rate, restlessness, and even nervousness when exposed to caffeine. However, their smaller size and slower metabolism make them much more sensitive to its effects. Caffeine acts as a diuretic, causing dogs to urinate more frequently and leading to dehydration if not properly managed. Additionally, it stimulates the dog’s gastrointestinal system, potentially resulting in upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The combination of theobromine and caffeine in chocolate creates a potent concoction that can overwhelm a dog’s body, especially if consumed in significant quantities or by smaller breeds. The effects can range from mild discomfort and restlessness to more severe symptoms like rapid breathing, muscle tremors, elevated body temperature, increased blood pressure, and even seizures.

It’s essential to remember that dogs have different tolerances and sensitivities to caffeine compared to humans. What may be a harmless pick-me-up for us can have serious consequences for our canine friends. Even a small amount of chocolate containing caffeine can lead to adverse effects, so it’s best to avoid it altogether.

“My Dog Ate Chocolate” or Chocolate and Dogs Treatment

dog ate chocolate

If you suspect that your dog has eaten a large amount of chocolate, the BEST thing you can do is get him to a vet asap. You may be tempted to induce vomiting, but that really should only be done under a vet’s supervision (or at least your vet’s advice). You can also call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-213-6680 if you’re unable to reach your vet. 

Your vet may recommend that you give your dog 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide for every 20 pounds size,  repeated every 15 minutes, to induce vomiting. Please understand that I am NOT advising you to do that. I’m simply telling you what to expect when you call your vet. I can’t reiterate enough how important it is for you to seek professional guidance on what to do when your dog eats chocolate. 

READ ALSO: Best Indoor Dog Potties

Medical Treatment for Dog Chocolate Poisoning

When it comes to chocolate poisoning in dogs, time is of the essence. If you suspect or know that your dog has ingested chocolate, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care immediately. The treatment approach will depend on several factors, including the type and amount of chocolate ingested, the size and weight of your dog, and the presence and severity of symptoms.

Here are some common steps that veterinarians may take to treat chocolate poisoning in dogs:

  1. Assessment and stabilization: When you arrive at the clinic, your vet will assess your dog’s condition, including vital signs such as heart rate, breathing, and temperature. They will also evaluate any visible symptoms and determine the level of toxicity based on the type and amount of chocolate consumed. If your dog is experiencing severe symptoms, they may provide supportive care to stabilize their condition.
  2. Inducing vomiting: If your dog has recently ingested chocolate, your vet may go right to inducing vomiting to remove the remaining chocolate from their stomach. This is typically done using medications or by administering a hydrogen peroxide solution. It’s important to note again that inducing vomiting is not recommended in all cases and should only be done under the guidance of a veterinarian.
  3. Activated charcoal administration:  Your veterinarian may administer activated charcoal to prevent further absorption of the toxins. Activated charcoal acts as a binding agent, helping to trap and prevent the absorption of theobromine and caffeine in the gastrointestinal tract.
  4. Intravenous fluids: At any point during the visit and alongside other interventions, your vet may put your dog on an IV to hydrate him and help flush out the toxins. IV fluids also help maintain blood pressure, prevent dehydration, and support the kidneys in eliminating toxins from the body.
  5. Medications and monitoring: Depending on your dog’s symptoms and condition, the veterinarian may prescribe medications to manage specific symptoms such as seizures, abnormal heart rhythms, or elevated blood pressure. They will closely monitor your dog’s vital signs and overall response to treatment throughout the process.

It’s important to remember that the information provided here is for informational purposes only, and the treatment process may vary depending on your dog’s unique case. Always consult a veterinarian for accurate diagnosis, advice, and guidance in case of chocolate poisoning or any other health concerns for your dog.

Prevention is the best approach, so make sure to keep chocolate and other potentially harmful foods out of your dog’s reach. By being vigilant and proactive, you can help keep your furry friend safe and avoid the risks associated with chocolate poisoning.

 

How To Keep Your Dogs Away from Chocolates

dogs can't eat chocolate

Preventing dogs from eating chocolate is essential for their well-being and safety. Here are some steps you can take to minimize the risk:

  1. Secure storage: The best way to keep your dog safe is to hide the chocolate in areas away from your pet’s reach. A high shelf or locked pantry should do the trick. There will be no way for them to sneak and take a bite from your chocolate stash.
  2. Educate household members: We also have to remind other household members to keep chocolates away from tables, countertops, or any exposed areas. It should be far away as possible. 
  3. Be cautious during festivities: Holidays seem to be the most dangerous time since most of us have chocolate around the house during Easter, Halloween Trick or Treat, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Animal hospitals report that this is the time of the year when they get the most reports of chocolate poisoning among dogs. Be particularly vigilant during these special occasions.  
  4. Trash management: Dogs are notorious for their scavenging abilities, so make sure your trash bins are securely covered. Dispose of chocolate wrappers and containers promptly and securely, as the smell alone can be enticing to dogs.
  5. Substitute with dog-safe treats: If you want to treat your dog, opt for dog-specific treats that are safe and healthy for them. There are plenty of tasty alternatives available that are specially formulated for dogs and won’t pose any harm. Check out my Bake-A-Bone: Dog Treat Maker Review and Recipes for some ideas!
  6. Keep an eye on visitors: When guests come over, particularly if they are unfamiliar with the dangers of chocolate for dogs, politely remind them to be mindful of where they place their chocolate treats or bags.
  7. Train and supervise: You can also train our dogs to “leave it.” That way, if Fido snags a bag of chocolate chips, you can give him the “leave it” or “drop it” command and (hopefully) he’ll obey. However, keep in mind that with some dogs, the craving for that delicious sweet treat can overwhelm any desire to obey. So don’t rely on training to keep him out of trouble. 
  8. Emergency contact information: Keep the contact information of your veterinarian or a 24-hour animal poison control center readily available so you can quickly and easily make the call that may save your dog’s life.

Some experts also recommend crate training to make sure they don’t grab anything within reach when you aren’t around. The crate should be a comfortable place for him to stay in while he is unsupervised.

Keep in mind that chocolate is a delightful treat for us, but it is NEVER  a good treat for our dogs. Most dogs do not know when they are full. They can eat a pound of chocolate easily without feeling anything at first. Even a bite can lead to an upset stomach or worse.

As much as we want them to enjoy eating our favorite chocolate, it is much better to keep them away from any chocolate rather than having to see them experience the ill effects of eating this tasty treat. There are plenty of other treats available for them to safely eat.

Author

  • Mark Braeden

    Mark is a Boston University graduate and former electrical engineer. In 2017, he decided to combine his tech knowledge with his love for dogs. He spent a year familiarizing himself with the latest GPS tracking collars, invisible fences, and other hot pet gadgets before he wrote his first product review. After selling Technobark, Mark remained a writer and consultant but spends more time on his other passion now: raising and training his growing family of dogs.

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