How Bad Is Chocolate For Dogs Really?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Yes,

chocolate is toxic to dogs

. While rarely fatal, chocolate ingestion can result in significant illness. Chocolate is toxic because it contains a chemical called theobromine, as well as caffeine. Theobromine is the main toxin in chocolate and is very similar to caffeine.

Will my dog be OK after eating chocolate?


Chocolate is poisonous to dogs

mostly because of its theobromine content, which dogs are unable to metabolize effectively. If your dog eats chocolate, you should monitor them closely and seek veterinary attention if they show any symptoms, or if they are very young, pregnant or have other health concerns.

How long does it take for a dog to get sick after eating chocolate?

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning will

usually show within six to 12 hours, but could appear within one hour

. If you know your dog has eaten chocolate, act immediately and don’t wait for the signs to appear. We always recommend seeking veterinary advice if you have any concerns about the health of your pets.

What do I do if my dog eats chocolate?

If you know your dog ate some chocolate, you should

call your vet

. If you don’t have a vet or if the vet is closed, you can call the 24/7 Pet Poison helpline at 855-764-7661.

How much chocolate is toxic to a 10 pound dog?

Therefore, a ten-pound dog would need to ingest more than 80 ounces of white chocolate to experience mild to moderate toxicity, but only about

0.2 to 0.3 ounces (about 6 to 9 grams) of baking chocolate

. Dry cocoa powder is the most toxic, causing toxic effects at as little as 0.14 ounces (4 grams) for a ten-pound dog.

Should I make my dog vomit after eating chocolate?

If your dog eats chocolate, the first thing you need to do is contact your veterinarian.

It is likely that they will tell you to make the dog vomit to get the chocolate out of his digestive system

. You can use 3% hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting in dogs.

How much chocolate kills a small dog?

According to The Merck Veterinary Manual, 8th Edition Online, “clinical signs of toxicity can occur with ingestion of

~0.04 oz (1.3 mg) of baker’s chocolate or 0.4 oz (13 mg) of milk chocolate per kilogram of body weight

.” This means that a one-ounce (28 gram) square of baker’s chocolate would cause symtoms in a 50- …

What happens if a dog eats KIt Kat?

Fortunately, there is very little actual chocolate in a Kit Kat bar –

not nearly enough to cause any toxicity issues

, even in a fairly small dog like Kimbo.

How much chocolate can a 50 pound dog eat?

In general, though, the darker and more bitter the chocolate the greater the danger. For instance,

8 ounces (a 1⁄2 pound) of milk chocolate may sicken a 50-pound dog

, whereas a dog of the same size can be poisoned by as little as 1 ounce of Baker’s chocolate!

What should I do if my dog ate a chocolate chip cookie?

Chocolate poisoning can cause severe symptoms and even death. Monitor your dog closely if she has eaten chocolate chip cookies, and

call your vet immediately

if you notice signs of chocolate poisoning, including those below.

What happens if a dog eats Hershey Kisses?

The Science Behind Dogs Eating Chocolate

Chocolate can cause

restlessness, vomiting and diarrhea at moderate doses

. High doses can cause scary symptoms like heart arrhythmia and seizures. It may take up to 6 hours for your pup to show symptoms after their naughty indulgence. The type of chocolate is very important.

What if my dog ate Ferrero Rocher?


The pet may still get an upset stomach or diarrhea, but you won’t have to worry about bringing them to the emergency hospital

. How worried should I be? There really is not a toxic amount of milk chocolate in two Ferrero Rochers to cause a problem in your 6.3lbs dog.

How much chocolate can a 45 pound dog eat?

While this depends on the type of chocolate, it can take only

0.3 ounces of concentrated chocolate per pound of body weight

to kill a dog. Milder types of chocolates vary from 0.5 to 2 ounces. This is because chocolates contain theobromine, which is a lethal chemical for dogs.

How much chocolate can a 20 pound dog eat?

Dark Chocolate: Use a scale of 1.5 ounces per 10 pounds of body weight. That’s

3 ounces

for a 20 pound dog. If they’ve ingested that much or more, it’s time to call your vet. Milk Chocolate or Semi-sweet: A poisonous amount would be anything over 3.5 ounces- a standard size Hershey’s bar- for a small 10 pound dog.

What foods are poisonous to dogs?

  • Onions, garlic and chives. The onion family, whether dry, raw or cooked, is particularly toxic to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage. …
  • Chocolate. …
  • Macadamia nuts. …
  • Corn on the cob. …
  • Avocado. …
  • Artificial sweetener (Xylitol) …
  • Alcohol. …
  • Cooked bones.

How much chocolate can a 30 pound dog eat?

Dark chocolate: Approximately 1.5 ounces for a 10-pound dog, 3 ounces for a 20-pound dog, and

4.5 ounces

for a 30-pound dog all require a call to the vet.

How much chocolate can a 40 pound dog eat?

For milk chocolate, any ingestion of more than

0.5 ounces per pound of body weight

may put dogs at risk for chocolate poisoning. Ingestions of more than 0.13 ounces per pound of dark or semi-sweet chocolate may cause poisoning.

How many ounces of chocolate are in a mini Kit Kat?

KitKat Snack Size Wafer Bars,

0.49 Oz

., 6 Count.

How do I make my dog throw up after eating chocolate?

Typically, your dog will vomit on their own. If not, your vet might want you to

give them hydrogen peroxide

to make them throw up — 1 tablespoon for every 20 pounds, Wismer says. You can use a turkey baster or a medicine dropper to give them the liquid.

How many ounces of chocolate are in a Kit Kat bar?

KIT KAT® Milk Chocolate Candy Bar,

1.5 oz

. 4.6 out of 5 stars. Read reviews for average rating value is 4.6 of 5.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.