Good Dog WeekCan dogs eat chocolate?
No, toxic
No. Chocolate is toxic to dogs. It contains theobromine and caffeine, which dogs process far more slowly than people do. Dark chocolate, baking chocolate and cocoa powder are the most dangerous, but any chocolate can make a dog ill. If your dog ate some, call your vet straight away.
No. Chocolate is toxic to dogs. It contains theobromine and caffeine, which dogs process far more slowly than people do. Dark chocolate, baking chocolate and cocoa powder are the most dangerous, but any chocolate can make a dog ill. If your dog ate some, call your vet straight away.
Why
- Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which can overstimulate a dog's heart and nervous system.
- The darker and less sweet the chocolate, the more of these compounds it holds, so baking chocolate and cocoa powder are the riskiest.
- How serious it is depends on the type of chocolate, how much was eaten and your dog's size, so only a vet can judge the risk.
- Halloween candy, holiday baking, cocoa mulch and chocolate-covered raisins or nuts are common hidden sources, and some sweets also contain xylitol, which is very dangerous to dogs.
If your dog ate some
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even if your dog seems fine, and have the wrapper handy so you can say what kind of chocolate it was and roughly how much is missing. Signs such as vomiting, restlessness, panting, a racing heart or tremors can take hours to appear, so don't wait for them. Don't make your dog vomit or try home remedies unless a vet tells you to.
Ate something worrying? Call your vet now, or a pet poison line: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 (a consultation fee may apply).
Sources we check: ASPCA: people foods to avoid feeding your pets. General information, not veterinary advice.