Dog Chocolate Toxicity | Sydney Animal Hospitals

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Dog Chocolate Toxicity

While there are many human foods that can be safely fed to our four legged friends in small doses, chocolate unfortunately is not one of them. If your dog has eaten chocolate you are strongly advised to contact your local vet immediately for medical advice.

Chocolate is toxic to dogs. Chocolate ingestion can result in vomiting, diarrhoea or even seizures. In severe cases chocolate toxicity can be fatal.

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How much chocolate is toxic for my dog?

The effect of your dog eating chocolate is determined by a few main factors:

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How much your dog weighs

How much chocolate your dog ateWhat type of chocolate your dog ate (dark, white or milk)There is a chemical in chocolate called theobromine, which is similar to caffeine, and is highly poisonous to dogs.

Different types of chocolate contain different amounts of theobromine, however the general rule is that the more bitter the chocolate, the higher the toxicity to your dog.

Chocolate Toxicity Calculator

Accidentally left some chocolate out? Use our Chocolate Toxicity Calculator to quickly find out if the amount and type of chocolate your dog ingested could be harmful. Dog's Weight (kg): Type of Chocolate: Select...White ChocolateMilk ChocolateDark ChocolateSemi-sweet ChocolateBakers ChocolateCocoa PowderCoffee Beans/Ground CoffeeCocoa Bean Hull/Mulch Amount Eaten (grams): Check Toxicity (02) 8319 5555

As a rough guide:

White chocolate

White chocolate has the least at around 0.25 mg per 28 grams of chocolate

Milk chocolate

Milk chocolate contains 44–58 mg per 28 grams of chocolate

Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate contains between 130–450 mg per 28 grams of chocolate

What are the symptoms of chocolate poisoning?

Symptoms of chocolate toxicity can take several hours to show, and even longer to disappear. Some signs that your dog may have eaten chocolate are:

Vomiting

DiarrheaIncreased thirstExcessive urinationFaster than normal heartbeatMuscle spasmsSeizuresHigh doses of chocolate ingested can result in cardiac arrest. The heart fails to pump blood effectively and can lead to sudden death or permanent internal damage if not provided with immediate emergency medical attention. Call Us Now

How is chocolate poisoning treated?

Treatments can vary depending on the amount of chocolate that your dog has eaten however the first step if treated early is to induce vomiting, and try to block absorption of the theobromine before it is absorbed into your dogs body.

Depending on the severity of the poisoning, it may be necessary to administer IV fluids to help flush out your pets system. If your dog has ingested chocolate please contact your nearest Sydney Animal Hospitals on;

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(02) 9157 5557

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Newport

Open 7 Days

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1 Palm Rd (Corner of Barrenjoey Rd), Newport, NSW 2106

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(02) 9997 4609

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Avalon

Open 6 Days

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710 Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach NSW 2107

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(02) 9918 0833

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7 Sydney Animal Hospital Locations Across Sydney

Sydney Animal Hospitals have 7 locations across Sydney for your convenience

Newtown

Open 7 Days

69-73 Erskineville Rd, Erskineville NSW 2043

710 Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach NSW 2107

(02) 9918 0833

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