What to Do If Your Dog Eats Chocolate: Step-by-Step and What to Tell the Vet

If your dog eats chocolate, call your veterinarian, an emergency clinic or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away, even if your dog seems fine. Have four details ready: the type of chocolate, how much, when it was eaten, and your dog’s weight. Do not try to make your dog vomit unless a professional tells you to.

Signs of chocolate poisoning can take hours to appear, so acting early gives your vet the most options. This guide covers what to do; your vet decides on treatment.

Step by step: what to do right now

1. Move your dog away from any remaining chocolate and keep other pets away too.
2. Collect the evidence. Keep the wrapper or box. Note the brand, product and whether it is milk, dark, semisweet or baking chocolate, or cocoa.
3. Estimate the amount. Count missing pieces or compare with the label weight. A rough estimate is better than none. Assume the worst if you are unsure.
4. Note the time it was eaten, or the earliest and latest it could have happened.
5. Know your dog’s weight, or your best estimate.
6. Call for advice. Your vet, an emergency clinic, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (24/7; a consultation fee may apply). The Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) is another fee-based US option. In other countries, call your vet or an out-of-hours emergency clinic.
7. Follow the instructions you are given. You may be told to monitor at home or to come in right away.

Why you should not make your dog vomit at home

It is tempting to act immediately, but home methods can backfire. Vomiting is not appropriate for every dog or every situation, for example if the dog is already showing neurologic signs, has a condition that raises the risk of inhaling vomit, or ate something sharp along with the chocolate. Some substances suggested online can injure the stomach. A veterinarian can decide whether inducing vomiting is safe and do it in a controlled way. If a vet or poison control expert gives you specific instructions, follow them exactly.

Why chocolate is toxic to dogs

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, compounds called methylxanthines. Dogs process theobromine much more slowly than people do; the Merck Veterinary Manual gives its half-life in dogs as about 17.5 hours. That means the effects can last a long time.

The type of chocolate matters

According to the ASPCA, the darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. Roughly from least to most concerning:

Small dogs are at greater risk from the same amount, and some dogs are more sensitive than others. That is why it is safest to let a professional calculate the risk instead of relying on online calculators.

Watch for hidden extras

Chocolate products can contain other ingredients that are dangerous to dogs, such as xylitol (in some sugar-free products), raisins and macadamia nuts. Mention every ingredient on the label when you call. Foil wrappers and packaging can also cause blockages. Our list of foods toxic to dogs covers these in more detail.

Signs of chocolate poisoning

The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that signs generally develop within about 6 to 12 hours. Watch for:

• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Excessive thirst and urination
• Restlessness, panting or hyperactivity
• A swollen belly
• A racing or irregular heartbeat
• Tremors, muscle stiffness or wobbliness
• Seizures or collapse

Go to an emergency clinic immediately if your dog has tremors, seizures, collapse, difficulty breathing or a very fast heartbeat.

What happens at the vet

Depending on the amount, the time since it was eaten and your dog’s condition, the vet may induce vomiting, give medicine to reduce absorption, provide fluids, and monitor heart rate and rhythm. Some dogs are kept in the hospital for observation. Bring the packaging with you; it helps the team work out the dose quickly.

Preventing it next time

• Store chocolate, cocoa and baking supplies in closed cabinets, not on counters or low tables.
• Keep bags, backpacks and coat pockets off the floor.
• Be extra careful around holidays such as Halloween, Valentine’s Day, Easter and Christmas, when chocolate is everywhere. See our holiday pet safety guide.
• Ask children and guests not to share treats with the dog.
• Teach a solid “leave it” with positive reinforcement; see our positive reinforcement training basics.
• Save the poison control number in your phone.

Bottom line

If your dog eats chocolate, call your vet or poison control right away with the type, amount, time and your dog’s weight. Do not induce vomiting yourself, watch for signs over the next 12 hours or more, and go to an emergency clinic for tremors, seizures or collapse.

FAQ

My dog ate a small piece of milk chocolate and seems fine. Do I still need to call?

Yes, it is worth a call. A small amount of milk chocolate may be low risk for a large dog, but only a professional can weigh the type, amount and your dog’s size.

How long after eating chocolate will a dog get sick?

Signs usually appear within about 6 to 12 hours, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual, and can last a day or more.

Is white chocolate safe for dogs?

It contains very little theobromine, but its fat and sugar can still cause vomiting, diarrhea and possibly pancreatitis. It is not a safe treat.

What about chocolate-flavored dog treats?

Products made for dogs typically use carob, which contains little to no theobromine. Check the label and stick to treats designed for dogs.