Signs Of Chocolate Poisoning In Pets

Theobromine poisoning

Chocolate can be harmful to your dog or cat because it contains theobromine. This bitter alkaloid compound is found in cocoa and is toxic. Humans can metabolise theobromine quickly, so chocolate poisoning in people is rare.

Pets process theobromine much more slowly. As a result, the toxin can build up in their system and reach a level high enough to make them ill. This is why it is so important to keep chocolate and chocolate treats out of your pet’s reach.

Dogs are particularly bad at processing chocolate, so poisoning occurs most frequently in dogs. Cats and other animals are also vulnerable. Even chocolate in desserts, cakes, and ice cream can cause a problem.

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Early symptoms of chocolate poisoning

The effect of chocolate on a pet depends on the size of the animal, the type of chocolate consumed, and how much was eaten. Some chocolate contains more theobromine than others.

Early theobromine poisoning is often signalled by severe hyperactivity. The next obvious symptoms are usually vomiting and diarrhoea. Only a small amount of chocolate is needed to provoke these symptoms in small pets. If these symptoms occur, make sure your pet has access to plenty of water and call your closest emergency vet immediately.

If large amounts of chocolate are consumed, it can lead to muscle tremors, seizures, an irregular heartbeat, internal bleeding, or a heart attack.

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Treatment plan

The usual treatment for theobromine, or chocolate, poisoning is to induce vomiting within two hours of ingestion. If you suspect your pet may have eaten a large quantity of chocolate, for example an entire box, or they are showing any of the symptoms listed above, contact your closest vet as soon as possible.

Different chocolates contain different amounts of theobromine. Cocoa, cooking chocolate, and dark chocolate contain the highest levels, while milk chocolate and white chocolate have the lowest. Because dark chocolate contains much more theobromine, it takes only a small amount to poison a dog. Less than one ounce of dark chocolate may be enough to poison a 20 kg dog, causing vomiting and diarrhoea, and potentially more severe symptoms.

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Can chocolate kill a dog or cat?

The short answer is yes, chocolate can kill a dog or cat. The smaller the animal, the less chocolate it can consume before becoming unwell, which is why small dogs are more vulnerable than larger dogs.

Cats may tolerate chocolate slightly better than dogs, but they are still highly vulnerable. The darker the chocolate, the more toxin it contains and the more harmful the effects can be, so it is important to monitor your pet closely.

Don’t delay, call your vet

Some cheeky cats and dogs will eat chocolate if they can get to it. Do not offer pets chocolate at Easter or any other time. Make sure they cannot accidentally access it, and never use chocolate as a reward. Dogs are particularly vulnerable to chocolate poisoning, so if you suspect your dog or cat has consumed a large quantity, call your vet without delay.