If your pet is in immediate danger, call your vet or emergency animal hospital NOW. ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 | Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
Chocolate Poisoning in Pets
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to dogs and cats. The severity depends on the type of chocolate (dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most dangerous), the amount consumed, and the size of the pet. Dogs are far more commonly affected because they tend to eat large quantities.
Symptoms to Watch ForWarning Signs
- Vomiting and diarrhea (often within 2-4 hours of ingestion)
- Restlessness, hyperactivity, and pacing
- Rapid breathing and elevated heart rate
- Excessive urination
- Muscle tremors or twitching
- Seizures (in severe cases)
- Collapse or cardiac arrest (in very severe cases with large amounts of dark chocolate)
Immediate First AidAct Now
- 1Note the type and amount of chocolate consumed and your pet's weight
- 2Call your vet, ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 immediately
- 3If instructed by a professional, induce vomiting with 3% hydrogen peroxide (1 tablespoon per 20 lbs, dogs only — never induce vomiting in cats without vet guidance)
- 4Do NOT induce vomiting if your pet is unconscious, having seizures, or it has been more than 2 hours since ingestion
- 5Save any packaging or remaining chocolate to show your vet
- 6Transport to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic
When to Call the Vet
- Always call immediately if you know or suspect your pet ate chocolate
- Dark chocolate or baking chocolate — even small amounts are dangerous
- Your pet is showing any of the symptoms listed above
- Your pet is small, young, elderly, or has a heart condition
- You are unsure how much chocolate was consumed
Additional Information
The toxic dose of theobromine is approximately 20 mg/kg body weight for mild symptoms and 60 mg/kg for severe symptoms. Baking chocolate contains roughly 450 mg of theobromine per ounce, while milk chocolate contains about 60 mg per ounce. White chocolate contains negligible theobromine but can still cause pancreatitis due to high fat content.