The Dangers of Chocolate

      Chocolate contains two compounds, chemically known as methylxanthines, that are dangerous for dogs and cats. These are theobromine and caffeine, which dogs and cats have a very difficult time digesting. Humans can process and eliminate these substances in about a third of the time it takes a dog to do so. This greatly magnifies the stimulant effects on our dogs. While cats are more sensitive to these compounds, they are less likely, by nature, to eat chocolate so we rarely see chocolate toxicity in cats. 

       Theobromine and caffeine are both stimulants of the central nervous system and heart. They also act as diuretics, which can quickly lead to dehydration. Because many chocolate products are high in fat and sugar, dogs often show signs of gastrointestinal distress and possible pancreatitis.

      The amount of theobromine and caffeine in a chocolate product varies, but generally, the darker  and more bitter the chocolate, with higher percentages of cacao, the higher the concentration of theobromine.The potential for toxicity is highest in cocoa powder and cocoa beans, followed by unsweetened (baker’s) chocolate, very dark chocolate, semisweet and sweet dark chocolate, milk chocolate and white chocolate. Many of the ingredients added to chocolate often have their own potential for toxicity, like raisins, walnuts, macadamia nuts or alcohol.

        Assessing the severity of a pet’s chocolate toxicity will be based on the type of chocolate consumed, the amount consumed, when it was consumed and the pet’s current weight and medical history. Many dogs arrive at the ER already showing symptoms of GI distress like vomiting. Some dogs eat so much chocolate, they come to the ER with neurologic signs like tremors or seizures.

       Signs of chocolate toxicity usually occur between 2 and 12 hours after the dog eats the chocolate and may persist for up to 48 hours. Milder symptoms of chocolate toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination and restlessness and can occur shortly after ingestion. It may take longer for more severe signs to be seen, like fever, an increased respiratory rate, racing heart rate or irregular heart rhythm, hyperexcitability, incoordination, tremors, seizures and possible coma. Puppies, older dogs, and dogs with pre-existing medical conditions are at higher risk for more severe responses to chocolate toxicity. 

     When clients call the ER and say my dog ate chocolate, we always recommend they call either ASPCA Poison Control at 888-426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680. There will be a fee up front. However, the veterinarians at the Poison Control services will calculate the potential for toxicity based on what kind of chocolate and how much of it your pet ate and your pet’s weight. They will give you a case number so we can call them for specific treatment recommendations. The Poison Control services will also let us know if the pet needs to be hospitalized or can be treated outpatient.

        When clinical signs occur, treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Decontamination may be suggested if the chocolate was eaten within a few hours of arrival at the ER. This is accomplished by inducing vomiting, usually with a medication called Apomorphine, to retrieve as much chocolate as possible. Sometimes activated charcoal is recommended to help bind the toxins before they are absorbed. If the dog arrives at the ER already vomiting or showing neurologic signs, inducing vomiting and giving charcoal may be contraindicated due to the risk for aspiration pneumonia.

        If the dog’s symptoms are serious enough to warrant hospitalization, we support them with IV fluid therapy, anti-nausea medications and GI protectants. The dog’s heart rate, heart rhythm and blood pressure will be closely monitored and medications given as needed to control symptoms. Severely compromised pets may have urinary catheters placed to encourage urine flow to excrete the toxins. Less compromised dogs will be walked frequently for the same purpose.

      You may have noticed dog treats with carob in them and wondered about the difference between carob and chocolate. Contrary to popular fiction, carob does not taste like chocolate. Carob also does not contain either caffeine or theobromine. Carob has a naturally sweet nutty taste so it is less bitter than chocolate, requiring less added sugar.  It is also high in fiber. 

      The winter holidays are fast approaching and large gatherings often mean children and pets are not being as closely monitored as usual. To keep all the little ones safe, it’s best to keep chocolate and other potential toxins well out of reach. Do not underestimate the resourcefulness of a very determined child or dog.

Why Chocolate is Bad for Dogs

https://www.ellevetsciences.com/blog/why-is-chocolate-bad-for-dogs/

Chocolate Toxicity: What should I do if my dog eats chocolate

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/chocolate-toxicity-what-should-i-do-if-my-dog-eats-chocolate#

Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/chocolate-poisoning-in-dogs#

Dog Chocolate Toxicity Meter on PetMed by Chewy https://www.petmd.com/dog/chocolate-toxicity

    For more specific information on the amounts of theobromine and caffeine in common chocolate sources, check out the Dog Chocolate Toxicity Meter on PetMed by Chewy