Chocolate Toxicity

By Kay Hisano | Dated May 3, 2023

We hope everyone had a great time celebrating easter with family and friends. Thankfully during this year’s easter holidays we only saw a few patients come in for chocolate ingestion, however, we are not out of the clear yet! With all those leftover chocolate that you have at home it is important to remember what chocolate can do to our lovely pets.

Why is chocolate toxic to dogs?
Chocolate contains a chemical that affects the central nervous system and the heart. While humans can easily metabolize the chemical, dogs have a slower metabolism and are therefore more susceptible to its effects. The symptoms we see in dogs can vary depending on the type and quantity of chocolate, with dark chocolate containing the highest levels and white chocolate containing the lowest.

What symptoms should you look out for?
The symptoms of chocolate toxicity in dogs can vary depending on the amount and type of chocolate ingested, as well as the size and weight of the dog.

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hyperactivity
• Restlessness
• Tremors
• Rapid heart rate
• Seizures
• Collapse
• Coma

However, don’t wait until you see these clinical signs to bring your dog down to us. When in doubt please give us a ring, as the sooner treatment is initiated, the better the outcome. Often we will start by getting them to vomit out what they still have sitting in their stomach.

So keep those chocolate and chocolate-containing products out of reach. This includes Easter eggs, bunnies, and other treats that may be lying around the house or in the backyard during an Easter egg hunt. If you have children, make sure they understand the dangers of feeding chocolate to dogs, and supervise them closely when they are around your pets.