Can dogs eat chocolate?

If you were to ask a dog owner what their dog should never eat, one of the first foodstuffs mentioned is likely to be chocolate.

Dogs can be opportunists and often sniff out things not meant for them, especially food! Some owners might have had times when their canines have ingested small amounts of chocolate either with or without their knowledge and not needed treatment though these are the exception, not the rule.

Ultimately, two of the compounds in chocolate are toxic to dogs so must be avoided!

Why is chocolate toxic to dogs?

Chocolate contains both caffeine and theobromine, two chemicals toxic to dogs. They are similar in structure and belong to a group which dogs take a long time to process meaning they can build up to toxic levels in the blood. Dogs are particularly sensitive to theobromine and the effect of all poisons depends on the dose. In this instance, the darker the chocolate, the higher the level of theobromine and therefore the more poisonous it is. Cocoa powder and dark chocolate contain the greatest concentrations of theobromine and if you see your dog helping themselves to any it is vital you contact your vet straight away. A vet will be able to assess their risk and offer advice.

Even a small amount of chocolate can be toxic to your dog, with symptoms which include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Hyperactivity
• Tremors, seizures, or fits
• Heart problems
• In severe cases, death

Is any chocolate safe?

In a word, no. Milk chocolate contains lower concentrations of theobromine though this can vary depending on the brand. White chocolate has a very small concentration of theobromine and as a result is very low risk though higher in fat and full of sugar which can lead to a variety of other health complications.

 

What will my vet need to know?

Firstly, your vet will be able to calculate your dog’s risk based on their weight and the amount of chocolate they have eaten. A dark chocolate bar weighing 85g would be potentially fatal to a small breed such as a 3kg Chihuahua yet if you owned a Malamute which can weigh up to 43kg it is unlikely any effects would be seen.

You will need to be able to tell your vet when your dog ingested the chocolate, how much and what type. Many forms of chocolate might contain fruit, nuts and alcohol for example which could also be harmful.

If your dog is already showing symptoms of poisoning, you should take them straight to the vets and be sure to ring ahead to let them know you are on your way. In addition, if your pet is pregnant or has other health concerns then take them to see someone immediately.

How can I stop my dog eating chocolate?

Chocolate should always be kept out of reach of pets, especially at certain times of the year. At Christmas and Easter sweet gifts can be swapped between family and friends and it’s easy to leave these out rather than tucked away in a cupboard. Dogs have an amazing sense of smell and can be very determined so you should keep your treats high up. If they tend to beg for food, perhaps try having a few low-fat treats for them nearby to divert their attention.

If you are planning an Easter egg hunt, don’t let your dog join in! They will always be the best at searching and will pick up any that you might have forgotten about.

What about cats?

If you have felines in your home, it’s likely that you won’t have even considered what might happen if they ate chocolate. Cats are in fact more susceptible to theobromine poisoning than dogs though cases of poisoning are rare. Why? If you own a cat, you’ll know that most can be fairly picky eaters. Cats don’t have a sweet tooth, in fact they cannot taste glucose and as a result aren’t drawn to foods that wouldn’t interest them so it’s just your dogs you need to keep your eye on!