Things to look for include temperature change and fast breathing
Dog owners remember the danger of chocolate while we head for Easter. Not only can chocolate cause serious problems to our pets, a dog insurer, the internal data for pets for pets for pets show that toxic ingestion can lead to a high price with regard to veterinarian fees – average complaints for dogs being £ 533.97 in 2024.
It is commonly known that chocolate should never be fed on dogs. Catrin George, specialist in animal welfare at Animal Friends, said: “Chocolate is made from cocoa, and in this cocoa is a chemical called theobromine. Dogs cannot decompose this chemical unlike humans, and slower metabolism levels can have drastic effects on their bodies.
“While all chocolate contains theobromine, the impact of ingestion depends both on the breed and weight of your dog as well as the type and quantity of chocolate. A toxic dose of theobromine could be as low as 20 mg per kg, it is therefore advisable to remember that a small dog could be poisoned by a much smaller quantity than a large dog.”
The veterinarian partner of the animal Friends, Dr Samantha Webster, director of clinical operations at Joi Pet Care, explained the different types of chocolate and what you should do if your dog begins to show symptoms of poisoning.
White chocolate
Containing no cocoa solid, you may be wondering if white chocolate is less harmful to dogs. Dr. Webster advises that even if it contains less quantities of theobromine, it is still not sure to give your dog.
“White chocolate contains the least theobromine of all types of chocolate, about 0.9 mg per 100 g. However, other ingredients in white chocolate could prove to be fatal for your puppy, including cocoa butter, butterfly and milk solids as well as considerably higher concentration of sugar.
“So don’t be tempted to give your dog a piece of white chocolate because these other ingredients are toxic and could cause a disease in your dog.”
Milk chocolate
The most popular type of chocolate, milk chocolate, must also be kept away from your dogs, as Dr Webster says.
“Classic milk chocolate will contain cocoa solids as well as cocoa butter and other ingredients such as milk and sugar. While they work to water toxic theobromine, the levels generally vary from 150 to 220 mg per 100g, which means that it always represents a serious threat to your dog and must be at all costs at all costs. “
Dark chocolate
With high cocoa levels, dark chocolate can be fatal for dogs. Dr. Webster reveals how dangerous dark chocolate can be.
“Cooking chocolate and dark chocolate contain the largest amounts of cocoa and have extremely high levels of theobromine. We think it varies between 450 and 1600 mg very high per 100 g.
Chocolate poisoning symptoms in dogs
“It can take several hours for symptoms to appear. As a rule, they can develop at any time between 4 and 24 hours after consumption, it is therefore important to spot them as soon as they occur.
“The revealing signs depend on the amount of theobromine ingested. In doses of approximately 20 mg per kg, the usual symptoms include:
- Hyperactivity or irritability
- A sore and tender stomach
- Increase in urination
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
“As the dosage increases, the symptoms will generally be more serious. About 40 mg per kg, heart symptoms may arise. Look for:
- Fast breathing
- Racing heart
- Heart arrhythmias (heart rate problems)
- High blood pressure
“If your dog has consumed large amounts of chocolate and about 60 mg per kg of theobromine, it can have neurological effects, such as:
- Muscle tremors or contractions
- Seizures
- Hot to touch
“Larger doses will be increasingly serious, deaths having been recorded around 200 mg per kg, or due to complications occurring other effects. This means that acting quickly is important. ”
What should you do if you suspect chocolate consumption?
If you know that your dog has eaten chocolate, you should contact your veterinarian immediately and not wait for signs and symptoms to begin to appear. If you know no consumption, but note that these symptoms are starting to arise, contact your veterinarian.
It is important to roughly assess the amount of chocolate probably consumed as well as the type of chocolate, as it will help the veterinarian understand gravity and how to treat the dog.
