Why Dogs Should Never Be Allowed to Eat Chocolate

Everyone knows someone with a dog that ate chocolate and was fine… right?

Never fall into the trap of believing that chocolate is safe or that just a little bit is fine. Chocolate is dangerous and should always be avoided for our canine companions, and here are the reasons why.

Why is Chocolate Toxic to Dogs?

Chocolate contains two compounds which are toxic to our dogs: Theobromine and Caffeine.

These stimulants are naturally present in the cocoa plant, and we can metabolise them. Dogs, however, cannot process them properly, meaning they break down more slowly and build up to toxic levels in their system.

Depending on how much they have eaten and the type of chocolate, ingestion can lead to seizures and raised blood pressure.

How Much Chocolate is Toxic to Dogs?

The level of theobromine present in chocolate depends on the type. Darker, bitter chocolates pose the most significant risk to dogs’ health, as they will contain much more theobromine and caffeine.

Even very small pieces of dark chocolate and cocoa powder can be fatal to our dogs if ingested.

White chocolate, while still unsafe, does contain much less theobromine. This chocolate is also very high in fat and sugar, which are detrimental to your dog’s health. Human foods that are high in fat can increase the risk of pancreatitis if eaten.

Remember, dogs might beg for chocolate, but let’s face it, they will beg for most things. For dogs, the best treat is something designed for them that’s high in digestible meat. Explore our natural dog treat range.

The Symptoms of Chocolate Poisoning

The symptoms of chocolate poisoning or digestive discomfort will typically start around 6-12 hours after your dog ingests chocolate. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms:

• Increased heart rate
• Panting or rapid, heavy breathing
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Excessive urination
• Hyperactivity
• Muscle tremors
• Seizures
• Increased thirst

In critical cases, chocolate ingestion can lead to heart failure, internal bleeding and can, of course, be fatal.

What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Chocolate?

First things first, remember to breathe and stay calm. It’s easy to panic when your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t.

Contact your vet as soon as possible, but make a note of the following things:

1. Type of chocolate ingested – if you have the packet, it is worth bringing it along if you have a vet appointment.
2. How much chocolate was ingested
3. When the chocolate was ingested
4. The breed, weight and age of your dog

Your vet will be able to assess the risk based on your dog’s weight. If they ask you to come in, they may induce vomiting or offer IV fluids.

Keeping Your Dog Safe from Chocolate Poisoning

Dogs can be clever and will investigate high and low to get hold of things they shouldn’t.

Here are some tips for keeping your dog (and chocolate!) safe.

• Store chocolate in sealed containers and high, inaccessible cupboards. If your dog can get to your cupboards, it is worth investing in cupboard locks.
• Put any wrappers straight in the outside bin- dogs are great at stealing from indoor bins!
• Be extra cautious at Christmas, Easter and Halloween.
• Start as you mean to go on- never allow your dog to beg or steal from counters.
• Tell guests not to feed your dog their food or treats without permission.

Remember, any amount of chocolate could be dangerous; contact your local vet ASAP if you have concerns.

The quicker you act, the less risk to your dog’s health.

Want to learn about dog-friendly foods? Read our Guide to Safe Human Foods.