Is it true dogs cant eat chocolate?

We've all heard it, "Don't give your dog chocolate it will kill him". We'll how true is it you're probably wondering. Do I have to rush him to an emergency vet if he ate one of my M&M's?

The truth is chocolate contains theobromine that is toxic to dogs in sufficient quantities. This is a xanthine compound in the same family of caffeine, and theophylline.

Toxic Levels

The good news is that it takes, on average, a fairly large amount of theobromine 100-150 mg/kg to cause a toxic reaction. Although there are variables to consider like the individual sensitivity, animal size and chocolate concentration.

On average,

Milk chocolate contains 44 mg of theobromine per oz.

Semisweet chocolate contains 150mg/oz.

Baker's chocolate 390mg/oz.

Using a dose of 100 mg/kg as the toxic dose it comes out roughly as:

1 ounce per 1 pound of body weight for Milk chocolate

1 ounce per 3 pounds of body weight for Semisweet chocolate

1 ounce per 9 pounds of body weight for Baker's chocolate.

So, for example, 2 oz. of Baker's chocolate can cause great risk to an 15 lb. dog. Yet, 2 oz. of Milk chocolate usually will only cause digestive problems.

Clinical Signs

Xanthines affect the nervous system, cardiovascular system and peripheral nerves. It has a diuretic effect as well. Clinical signs:

Hyper excitability

Hyper irritability

Increased heart rate

Restlessness

Increased urination

Muscle tremors

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Treatment

There is no specific antidote for this poisoning. And the half life of the toxin is 17.5 hours in dogs. Induce vomiting in the first 1-2 hours if the quantity is unknown. Administering activated charcoal may inhibit absorption of the toxin. An anticonvulsant might be indicated if neurological signs are present and needs to be controlled. Oxygen therapy, intravenous medications, and fluids might be needed to protect the heart.

Milk chocolate will often cause diarrhea 12-24 hours after ingestion. This should be treated symptomatically (fluids, etc..) to prevent dehydration.

If you suspect your pet has ingested chocolate contact your Vet immediately! They can help you determine the the proper treatment for your pet.

My girlfriends dog (a crazy mix breed) has eaten full chunks of chocolate on many occasions, including chocolate pop-tarts (don't ask why). However the dog is completely fine and has lived to be 14 years old. So it is possible for them to not get sick and die. She never got sick on any occasion of eating chocolate.

depends on the dog, depends on the amount of chocolate and the kind. Dark chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate. Some dogs are only mildly affected, some can die or have seizures. It's best to avoid chocolate altogether. It's unnecessary for dogs and it has the potential to end your dog's life.

The truth is chocolate contains theobromine that is toxic to dogs in sufficient quantities. This is a xanthine compound in the same family of caffeine, and theophylline.

Toxic Levels

The good news is that it takes, on average, a fairly large amount of theobromine 100-150 mg/kg to cause a toxic reaction. Although there are variables to consider like the individual sensitivity, animal size and chocolate concentration.

On average,

Milk chocolate contains 44 mg of theobromine per oz.

Semisweet chocolate contains 150mg/oz.

Baker's chocolate 390mg/oz.

Using a dose of 100 mg/kg as the toxic dose it comes out roughly as:

1 ounce per 1 pound of body weight for Milk chocolate

1 ounce per 3 pounds of body weight for Semisweet chocolate

1 ounce per 9 pounds of body weight for Baker's chocolate.

So, for example, 2 oz. of Baker's chocolate can cause great risk to an 15 lb. dog. Yet, 2 oz. of Milk chocolate usually will only cause digestive problems.

Yes it is true! The acid or something found in the chocolate isn't good for their stomachs. Dark chocolate is the worse. White chocolate won't kill them unless they eat a lot of it. Tomatoes and grapes are the same way they have so much acid in them.

As a rule dogs aren't supposed to eat chocolate. If by chance a dog would gobble some it all depends on their weight and how much they ate. Per our vets, the dog would have to eat a considerable amount before it was toxic.

Dark choclate is very bad for them it contans too much the ingredient they can't eat. No dark chocolate

Milk chocolate has a small amount, so a little bit of milk is ok

when I was growing up one of our dogs (Silky Terrier) ate heaps of chocolate she found in my brother room and survived.

White chocolate has none of the ingredient.

yes a dog can get sick and die if he/she eats chocolate in a large amount so keep it always for the candy.Don't try it....the vet told me b/c my dogs eats everything she get her teeth on

My GF gives her dog SMALL doses of chocolate. It doesn't seem to affect the dog to much. She did say that when the dog was a pup, it got a hold of a candy bar, and got really sick.

yeah, most times they will just get a soft stool but if your dog gets AlOT of chocolate, it might be fatal.

20 ounces of milk chocolate will kill a 20 pound dog!