My dog ate chocolate, now what?
Enter the dog's weight, the type of chocolate, and the approximate amount eaten to assess the risk level immediately. If in doubt, see a veterinarian without waiting for the result.
Estimated risk level
4.8 mg of theobromine/kg
Low risk
Low dose. Watch your pet over the next few hours for signs of discomfort (vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness). If in doubt, call your veterinarian.
Total ingested: 48.0 mg of theobromine.
In case of emergency
If your dog has seizures, collapses, or has trouble breathing, don't wait for this calculator's result — go to an emergency veterinary clinic immediately.How the calculation works
Chocolate is toxic to dogs because of theobromine, a substance that a dog's body metabolizes much more slowly than a human's, building up in the body and affecting the heart and nervous system.
The amount of theobromine varies a lot by type of chocolate: cocoa powder and baking/coating chocolate contain up to 2,600 times more theobromine per gram than white chocolate. That's why the type of chocolate eaten matters just as much as the amount.
Risk is calculated in milligrams of theobromine per kilogram of the dog's body weight — the smaller the dog and the higher the theobromine concentration in the chocolate, the greater the proportional risk.
This calculator uses the risk ranges published by the Merck Veterinary Manual and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, references used by veterinarians worldwide.
Theobromine concentration by type of chocolate
| Type of chocolate | Theobromine (mg per gram) |
|---|---|
| White chocolate | 0.01 mg/g |
| Milk chocolate | 2.4 mg/g |
| Semisweet (50–60% cocoa) | 5.5 mg/g |
| Dark (70–85% cocoa) | 8 mg/g |
| Baking / coating chocolate | 16 mg/g |
| Cocoa powder | 26 mg/g |
Frequently asked questions
How long after eating chocolate do symptoms of poisoning appear?
Symptoms usually start between 6 and 12 hours after ingestion, but can take up to 24 hours to fully develop. Don't wait for symptoms to show up before acting — the sooner a veterinarian can induce vomiting or start treatment, the better the outlook.
What are the symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs?
Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, restlessness, rapid breathing, tremors, elevated heart rate, and in severe cases, seizures and collapse. Cocoa powder and baking/coating chocolate are the most dangerous because they have the highest theobromine concentration.
Can cats be poisoned by chocolate too?
Yes, and they're even more sensitive to theobromine than dogs, relative to body weight. This calculator uses parameters validated for dogs; if a cat has eaten chocolate, seek veterinary care immediately, regardless of the amount.
What should I do while taking my dog to the vet?
Don't induce vomiting on your own without veterinary guidance — in some cases this can make things worse. Call your veterinarian or an animal poison control center on the way, giving them the dog's weight, the type of chocolate, and the approximate amount eaten.
Is a small amount of white chocolate dangerous?
White chocolate has a practically insignificant amount of theobromine, but its high fat and sugar content can still cause pancreatitis or gastrointestinal upset in large amounts.
Important notice
This calculator is for educational purposes and does not replace a veterinary evaluation. When in doubt, consult a veterinarian.Sources
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