Chocolate is toxic to dogs. It contains theobromine (and caffeine), which dogs metabolise far more slowly than humans. Dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous; even milk chocolate can poison a small dog. If your dog has eaten chocolate, contact your vet now — don't wait for symptoms.
Chocolate cases are among the most common food poisonings vets see — dark chocolate is the usual culprit.
How much chocolate is dangerous?
Toxicity depends on the type of chocolate and your dog's weight. Mild signs can start around 20 mg of theobromine per kg of body weight; heart problems around 40–50 mg/kg; seizures at 60 mg/kg and above.
- Baking chocolate & cocoa powder — the most concentrated by far. A tiny amount is an emergency for any dog.
- Dark chocolate — roughly 5–10× stronger than milk chocolate. A couple of squares matter for a small dog.
- Milk chocolate — lower theobromine, but a chocolate bar is still dangerous for small and medium dogs.
- White chocolate — almost no theobromine, but the fat and sugar can still cause stomach upset or pancreatitis.
There's no reliably "safe" amount — a Labrador stealing one chocolate button is a different situation to a Chihuahua eating a dark chocolate bar. When in doubt, call.
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning
Signs usually appear within 6–12 hours and can last days, because dogs clear theobromine slowly:
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Excessive thirst and panting
- Restlessness or hyperactivity
- Racing or irregular heartbeat
- Muscle tremors — and in severe cases, seizures
My dog ate chocolate — do this now
Call your vet or an animal poison line immediately (UK: Animal PoisonLine · US: ASPCA Animal Poison Control). Have ready: your dog's weight, the chocolate type (dark, milk, white, baking), roughly how much, and when it was eaten. Keep the packaging. Don't induce vomiting unless a professional tells you to.
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Chocolate and dogs — FAQ
How much chocolate is toxic to a dog?
Mild signs from around 20 mg theobromine per kg of body weight; serious heart effects at 40–50 mg/kg; seizures at 60 mg/kg+. Dark and baking chocolate are roughly 5–10× more dangerous than milk chocolate. Call a vet with your dog's weight and the type and amount eaten — they'll calculate the risk exactly.
My dog ate chocolate but seems fine — should I still worry?
Yes. Symptoms typically take 6–12 hours to appear, and by then the toxin is absorbed. Ring your vet or a poison line as soon as you know chocolate was eaten — early treatment is far more effective.
Is white chocolate safe for dogs?
It contains almost no theobromine, so true chocolate poisoning is unlikely — but the fat and sugar can still cause vomiting, diarrhoea or pancreatitis. It's not a safe treat, just a less dangerous accident.
What about cocoa powder, brownies and hot chocolate?
Cocoa powder is one of the most concentrated sources of theobromine — baked goods and drinks made with it count as chocolate. Cocoa shell mulch in gardens is also toxic to dogs.
Related foods
Sources: MSD Veterinary Manual — chocolate toxicosis · VCA Animal Hospitals. This page is general guidance, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your dog has eaten chocolate, contact your vet immediately.