Dog Ate Chocolate? Check the Risk in Seconds

Mild signs such as vomiting, diarrhea and restlessness can begin around 20 mg of methylxanthines per kg of body weight. Heart effects can occur around 40–50 mg/kg and seizures around 60 mg/kg. The amount of chocolate this represents depends on the chocolate type, because dark and baking chocolate contain far more theobromine than milk chocolate.

Unsweetened cocoa powder and baking chocolate are the most concentrated. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, cocoa powder contains about 28.5 mg/g, baker's chocolate about 15.5 mg/g, semisweet about 5.5 mg/g, milk chocolate about 2.3 mg/g and white chocolate a negligible 0.04 mg/g.

Use the calculator to estimate the dose. If signs are possible or you are unsure, contact a veterinarian or a 24/7 animal poison control service promptly. Do not wait for symptoms to appear, and do not induce vomiting unless a professional advises you to.

White chocolate contains only a negligible amount of methylxanthines (about 0.04 mg/g), so theobromine poisoning is unlikely. However, its high fat and sugar content can still cause stomach upset or pancreatitis.