Is Chocolate Poisonous to Dogs?
Theobroma cacao (derived from)
Highly ToxicAlso toxic to cats
Chocolate is highly toxic to dogs.
Why it's toxic
The toxic compounds in chocolate:
- Theobromine (a methylxanthine)
- Caffeine (a methylxanthine)
Symptoms to watch for
If your dog ate chocolate, watch for:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Increased thirst (polydipsia)
- Excessive urination
- Restlessness / hyperactivity
- Panting
- Elevated heart rate / racing heart
- High blood pressure
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Muscle tremors
- Seizures
- Death in severe cases
What to do if your dog ate it
- 1Remove your dog's access to the chocolate and check how much may have been eaten.
- 2Do NOT induce vomiting unless a veterinarian or poison-control expert specifically tells you to.
- 3Call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435, or the Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 right away.
- 4Note the amount eaten, the time, and your dog's weight and any symptoms — have this ready for the expert.
- 5Follow professional guidance and go to the nearest emergency vet if you are advised to.
A consultation fee may apply to the Pet Poison Helpline. When in doubt, contact your own veterinarian or nearest emergency clinic.
Frequently asked questions
- Which type of chocolate is most dangerous to dogs?
- Toxicity rises with cacao concentration. From most to least dangerous: cocoa beans and cocoa powder, then unsweetened (baker's) and dark chocolate, then semisweet, then milk chocolate, with white chocolate lowest. Dark and baking chocolate require far smaller amounts to cause poisoning than milk chocolate.
- How much chocolate is toxic to a dog?
- It is dose- and type-dependent. Mild signs (vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst) can occur around 20 mg/kg of methylxanthines; cardiac effects around 40-50 mg/kg; and seizures at 60 mg/kg or more. Because dark and baking chocolate are highly concentrated, even small amounts can be dangerous, so any ingestion should be treated as a potential emergency. Call a veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline to assess the dose.
- How soon do chocolate poisoning symptoms appear in dogs?
- Clinical signs typically begin within 6 to 12 hours of ingestion and, because theobromine is slowly metabolized, can persist for days. Do not wait for symptoms to appear; contact a veterinarian immediately if your dog eats chocolate.
Sources
Related plants & foods
This page is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Toxicity can vary with the amount eaten, your dog's size, and individual sensitivity. If you suspect poisoning, contact a veterinarian or poison-control hotline immediately.