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Understanding why chocolate is bad for dogs, which types are most dangerous, and what to do if your dog sneaks a bite can help you keep your four-legged friend safe this Easter.
Chocolate contains two compounds that are harmful to dogs: theobromine and caffeine. Both belong to a class of chemicals called methylxanthines, which stimulate the central nervous system and heart.
Dogs process these compounds slowly which means that even a small amount can build up in their system and cause serious problems. Theobromine in particular is a main concern as it can increase heart rate, trigger muscle tremors and lead to seizures in extreme cases.
Additionally, the fat and sugar content in chocolate can also cause dogs an upset stomach.
“Chocolate is one of the most common causes of pet poisoning, which means that Easter is a particularly dangerous time.”
Not all types of chocolate pose the same level of risk for your furry friend. Usually, the darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains.
White chocolate contains the least amount of theobromine so toxicity is rare for dogs. However, the high fat and sugar content can still cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
Milk chocolate still contains theobromine and caffeine although lower concentrations compared to dark chocolate, it can still be dangerous. Given how much chocolate can be around at Easter time, milk chocolate is still a danger for dogs.
Yes, dark chocolate is very dangerous for dogs because it contains high levels of theobromine and caffeine and therefore even the smallest amount can be a risk for your dog.
Cocoa powder and baking chocolate should also be kept far away from your four legged friends as they contain the highest concentration of those harmful compounds.
It’s also important to note that the size of your dog also matters. A Labrador might be able to tolerate a small piece of chocolate without severe symptoms, but the same amount could be fatal for a Yorkshire Terrier.
Our advice? Keep any type of chocolate away from your dog at all times.
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning generally appear within 2-12 hours and common signs include:
If your dog has eaten chocolate, the first thing to do is safely remove your dog from the chocolate. If possible, check the label to identify what has been consumed, and roughly what quantity.
Call our practice in Kensington immediately or during out of hours, we also offer an emergency vet service. Over the phone we will be able to advise you of whether or not you need to bring your dog in urgently based on your dog’s weight, the type of chocolate consumed and how much.
Do not try to induce vomiting from home, as this is often unsuccessful and can also be dangerous.
Prevention is always better than treatment. Here are some practical steps to keep chocolate out of paw’s reach this Easter:
If you have any concerns about chocolate toxicity or need advice on keeping your pet safe this Easter, our team in Kensington is here to help. Get in touch with us today!
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