How much chocolate is toxic to a dog?

It depends on the dog's weight and the type of chocolate, because the toxin, theobromine, is concentrated in cocoa solids. Mild signs start around 20 mg of theobromine per kg of dog, heart effects around 40 to 60 mg/kg, and seizures above 60. Milk chocolate has about 58 mg per ounce, dark about 150, baking chocolate about 390 and cocoa powder 400 to 700. So one regular milk chocolate bar is a vet call for a 10-pound dog and mostly an upset stomach for a 70-pound one; the same bar of baking chocolate is an emergency for both.

My dog ate chocolate. What should I do?

Work out roughly how much and what kind, then call your vet, Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435). If it was within the last hour or two they can usually induce vomiting, which prevents most of the poisoning. Don't wait for symptoms; they can take 6 to 12 hours to appear.

What are the symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs?

Early: vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, panting, excessive thirst and urination. Later: a racing or irregular heartbeat, muscle tremors, high temperature. Severe: seizures and collapse. Signs can last up to 72 hours because theobromine clears slowly.

Is white chocolate safe for dogs?

White chocolate has almost no theobromine, so poisoning is unlikely, but the fat and sugar can still cause stomach upset or, in some dogs, pancreatitis. Keep it off the lick mat all the same; carob is the dog-safe stand-in.

Save 10% on your first order with code: SAVE10

30-day worry-free returns

Dog Chocolate Toxicity Calculator

Your dog ate chocolate. Enter their weight, the type and the amount, and see in seconds whether it's an upset stomach or an emergency, and who to call.

Your dog

Weight

What they ate

Type of chocolate Amount

Or pick a size

If in doubt, assume the larger amount. The wrapper's net weight is the honest number.

Theobromine dose

6.4mg per kg of dog

Below the level where symptoms usually start.

020 mild40 moderate60+ severe

Risk level: Low
Total theobromine: 87 mg
Mild symptoms from: 4.7 oz of this chocolate
Emergency from: 14 oz

Not veterinary advice. If your dog ate chocolate, call now; symptoms can take 6 to 12 hours to show and vets can induce vomiting early.

Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435

Milligrams per ounce

White chocolate about 0.25 mg, milk chocolate about 58, dark and semi-sweet about 150, unsweetened baking chocolate about 390, cocoa powder 400–700.

Divide by weight

Total theobromine divided by the dog's weight in kilograms gives the dose. A 30-pound dog is 13.6 kg; a regular 1.55 oz milk bar is 90 mg, so about 6.6 mg/kg.

Match to the thresholds

Under 20 mg/kg: usually stomach upset at most. 20–40: mild poisoning, call. 40–60: heart effects, emergency. Over 60: seizures possible. Around 100–200 can be fatal.

Theobromine content and thresholds follow the Merck Veterinary Manual and ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. This is a triage estimate, not veterinary advice. When in doubt, call.

Merck Veterinary Manual: chocolate toxicosis

Good questions. Simple answers.

What people ask with the wrapper in their hand.

How quickly do symptoms appear?

Usually 6 to 12 hours after eating, which is exactly why you call before symptoms rather than after. Theobromine has a half-life of about 17 hours in dogs, so signs can last up to three days.

Can I make my dog vomit at home?

Only if a vet or poison line tells you how and how much. Hydrogen peroxide done wrong causes its own injuries, and it's useless more than two hours after eating. Call first.

Are chocolate-flavoured things dangerous?

Cocoa mixes, chocolate milk and most "chocolate flavoured" cereals have little theobromine. Cocoa bean mulch in gardens does, and so do cocoa nibs and dark chocolate chips, which small dogs find in bags left on counters.

What about caffeine and sugar-free chocolate?

Caffeine adds a little to the toxicity (roughly 10% on top for dark chocolate). Sugar-free chocolate may contain xylitol, which is a separate and faster emergency: call immediately regardless of amount.