If you polled a group of pet owners, most would know that chocolate can be dangerous to pets.  However, most do not understand how much can cause a problem and exactly what chocolate can do to their pet.  Chocolate is a mixture of cocoa beans and cocoa butter. The main ingredients that cause dangerous effects are called methylxanthines.  One of which is caffeine and the other is a substance called theobromine.  Methylxanthines cause stimulation and can lead to an increased heart rate, shaking, tremors, and hyperactivity.  And, depending on the amount and type of ingested, a chocolate overdose can be fatal.

How much is too much?

The amount of methylxanthines present in chocolate varies with the type. The general rule is the more bitter the chocolate, the more methylxanthines it would contain. In fact, unsweetened baking chocolate contains almost seven times more theobromine as milk chocolate, while white chocolate contains only a tiny amount of methylxanthines.   

A small amount of milk chocolate would not be dangerous to a dog, although many experts recommend avoiding even a tiny taste of chocolate for fear that it will cause the animal to seek out more chocolate.  

If a dog has the opportunity to eat milk chocolate in quantity, or even a small amount of unsweetened chocolate, a chocolate poisoning could ensue.  

What should I do if my dog eats chocolate?

If despite your best attempts at prevention your dog would happen to eat chocolate, you should contact your veterinarian immediately and tell them how much your dog weighs and how much and what type of chocolate was ingested.  Depending on their calculations, your dog may need to be seen by the veterinarian for supportive care.  Alternatively, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is a 24/7 poison hotline for pet owners and can be reached at 888-4-Ani-help.

Things to remember:

Always store chocolate out of reach of your pet.  Never leave chocolate candy out in candy dishes and keep Trick o’ Treat bags and Easter basket candy in secure areas.  If using chocolate to bake, make sure to keep chocolate morsels and chocolate candy in areas where your dog can not access.  A bag of chocolate chips on the countertop is tempting bait.

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