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Chocolate is a beloved treat for humans. Pet owners also feed this regular sweetener unwillingly, and it can be a life-threatening danger to their canine companions. Chocolate is toxic to dogs because of the theobromine substance. Dogs metabolize it more slowly than humans and build up higher toxic levels in their system. Subsequently, chocolate affects dogs’ hearts, kidneys, etc. Special dog treats, yogurt, and fruits are good alternatives to chocolate. This guide discusses chocolate toxicity for dogs and offers dog-safe chocolate alternatives.
What Makes Chocolate So Dangerous for Dogs?
Theobromine is a big threat to pets. It is a bitter alkaloid. It is as harmful as caffeine. Cocoa beans contain methylxanthine which animals find hard to absorb and digest quickly. Humans can metabolize theobromine substances fast. Thus, theobromine in the dog’s system lingers for a long time, gets accumulated to toxic levels, and causes numerous adverse reactions.
Theobromine levels in chocolates
Baking chocolate and dark chocolate are the most dangerous of all, having the highest concentrations of theobromine, and even the smallest amount can become highly toxic.
- Milk chocolate—average level of theobromine
- White chocolate—negligible levels of theobromine
A reasonable rule of thumb holds that 20 milligrams of theobromine may be toxic per kilogram of dog body weight. Any excessive level, like 40-50 mg/kg, can lead to severe consequences. Anything that goes above 100 mg/kg will be highly fatal. The ASPCA organization doesn’t endorse the use of chocolate in pet treats.
Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs
| Chocolate Type | Theobromine (mg/g) | Toxicity Danger for 10 kg Dog |
| White Chocolate | 0.008-0.035 | Very Low Risk–May cause GI upset only |
| Milk Chocolate | 1.5-2.1 | Mild Toxicity–~40g may cause signs |
| Dark/Semi-Sweet | 4.8-5.6 | Moderate to Severe–~8–14g dangerous |
| Baking Chocolate | 13.7-15.8 | Severe to Lethal–~3g can be fatal |
| Cocoa Powder | 14-26 | Extremely Toxic–Tiny amount is lethal |
Theobromine Poison Levels
| Dose (mg/kg) | Clinical Signs |
| < 20 | Mild gastrointestinal upset |
| 20-40 | Restlessness, hyperactivity, increased thirst |
| 40-50 | High heart rate, tremors, arrhythmia |
| ≥ 60 | Seizures, coma, risk of death |
| > 100-200 | Potentially fatal quantity |
What If Your Dog Eats Chocolate: Act Fast!
If you find your pet has eaten chocolate, don’t worry. Be active and fast. This is the best way to answer the question, What to do if dogs eat chocolate?
Stay calm and assess the situation: Be calm and try to know what type of chocolate your dog has consumed. Also, check the amount and time of chocolate consumption. The dog’s weight will also come in handy.
Get a Hold of Your Veterinarian Immediately: This is the most important step you should take. Do not wait until your dog shows symptoms. Provide your vet with all the information you have gathered.
Follow the Directions Given by Your Veterinarian: Your vet may instruct you to induce vomiting if at-home vomiting is an option (this should only be done if your vet instructs you to do it) or give activated charcoal, or your dog will most frequently be taken to the clinic for treatment. The sooner your dog receives treatment, the sooner those toxins can be prevented from being absorbed in the body, and the better the recovery prognosis for your dog.
Watch out for common symptoms to detect symptoms of chocolate danger in pets.
- Elevated Heart Rate
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Increased Thirst
- Muscle Tremors or Twitching
- Panting and Increased Urination
- Restlessness and Hyperactivity
- Seizures
- Vomiting and diarrhea
In case you detect symptoms, contact your vet ASAP.
Dog-Safe Chocolate Alternatives: Sweet Treats Without the Risk
With lots of probiotics and antioxidants, you have better dog-safe alternatives. These alternatives to chocolate will make your dog healthy and happy as well. Moreover, pet-safe alternatives will cause no health threats to dogs.
Fruits (Great for digestion)
- Blueberries
- Seedless apples
- Bananas (in moderation)
- Cooked or plain pumpkin
Vegetables (Good for health)
- Carrots (good for teeth)
- Green beans
- Cooked or plain sweet potatoes (cooked, plain)
Dairy Products
- Plain yogurt
- No artificial sweeteners
- Small amounts of cheese
Specialty Dog Treats
- Healthy dog treat ingredients
- Peanut butter-filled Kongs
- Dental chews
- No xylitol
Always try healthy pet cakes made of dog-safe ingredients, as discussed above. Share your cake ideas with your pet bakeries to have pet-friendly cake options.
Conclusion
It is important to have information on chocolate toxicity in dogs. Pet owners should understand the dangers of theobromine in case of chocolate consumption by pets. So, look for symptoms of choco toxicity. Look for healthy chocolate alternatives. Always give first priority to your pet’s health. Never bring a chocolate cake, and keep this sweetener away from your dog’s reach. If you face anything serious, it is wise to take your pet to the vet near you without wasting any precious time.
