Chocolate: Common Dog Toxin
Most dog owners already know that chocolate is bad for dogs. In fact, so many people are aware of this common toxicity that veterinary hospitals across the country regularly receive phone calls from pet owners concerned because they realized their pet just ate some chocolate – even if that pet is a 65-pound Labrador Retriever that just ate a few M&Ms.
What makes chocolate so bad for dogs?
The primary concern with chocolate is due to a chemical compound called methylxanthines. If you've ever pulled an 'all-nighter' in college or if you require a cup of coffee in the morning to ‘wake up,’ you're likely already well-acquainted with one type of methylxanthine (caffeine). The methylxanthine that we primarily worry about with chocolate toxicity is called theobromine.
How do you know if your dog ate a toxic amount of chocolate?
The amount and type of chocolate your pet eats, and their size and weight, are all factors in their risk of toxicity.
To figure out if your dog has consumed a toxic amount of chocolate use this chocolate toxicity calculator.
NOTE: These are rough estimates and levels of toxicity based on the type of chocolate your dog has eaten, how much of it they've eaten, and your dog's weight. There are other factors involved in knowing if the chocolate your dog just ate will cause serious problems. If there is ever any doubt, the best thing you can do is call your veterinarian, your local Animal ER, or one of the dedicated animal-specific poison control hotlines.
In the event your pet gets into chocolate, you can use the chocolate toxicity calculator included above. Although the best thing you can do is contact your veterinarian or one of the animal-specific poison control centers for specific advice. Your pet's weight and the type and amount of chocolate they ate aren't the only factors that influence whether or not their "chocolate snack" is likely to cause a problem.
If your dog is already showing signs of toxicity – such as anxiousness, restlessness, seizures, panting, vomiting, or diarrhea – they need to be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
Chocolate toxicity can be fatal, so don't delay or take a 'wait and see' approach
A secondary problem that often develops in cases of chocolate ingestion is pancreatic inflammation (pancreatitis) caused by the high-fat content of chocolate. The signs of pancreatitis can take a few days to develop, but typically include ongoing diarrhea and vomiting, as well as significant pain for the affected pet.
Special circumstances: Other things that might be in chocolate and cause problems for pets
In some cases, it's not just chocolate in the candies, cookies, brownies, and other chocolate-containing things your dog might eat. Here are a few common "additional goodies" that might be in chocolate-containing products that your dog might get into which could cause their own set of problems:
Xylitol: Xylitol is an increasingly common sugar substitute that is especially popular with people who are diabetic, eating a keto-diet, or otherwise watching their caloric and carb intake. Xylitol is HIGHLY toxic to dogs ... even in very small amounts.
Raisins: Raisins (along with grapes and currants) can cause severe kidney damage in some dogs.
Macadamia nuts: These nuts can cause a sudden inability for a dog to use their back legs, tremors, and also a high fever. Fortunately this toxicity tends to be self-limiting, but it's still quite disconcerting and can be dangerous.
Marijuana (THC): Marijuana can cause both nervous system and heart/circulatory problems in dogs.
Liquor: If you're a fan of chocolate cordials, be aware that the liquor in these chocolate treats can cause an array of additional problems for your dogs should they gobble them up.
If you host overnight houseguests, keep their suitcases and other bags off the floor and insist they keep the door to their room (and bathroom) securely closed. After all, you never really know what overnight guests bring in their suitcases. So this one tip can also help protect your pets from medication toxicities and a host of other potential problems, too!