By Kellie Tickner, Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital Administrator
BRUISER, a six-year-old French Bulldog, thought he had hit the jackpot when he got his paws on an arrangement of Kinder Surprise bunnies, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and even one filled with Smarties. Not stopping there, he devoured the foil wrappers as well, determined to consume every last morsel. But his indulgence soon turned into a nightmare—Bruiser began vomiting and had to make an emergency trip to the vet.
Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and cases like Bruiser’s are unfortunately common. The danger lies in two compounds: theobromine and caffeine. Whilst humans metabolise these substances efficiently, dogs do not, making them far more susceptible to toxicity. Even in small amounts, chocolate ingestion can cause significant illness. Symptoms include increased heart rate, agitation, tremors, and seizures. In severe cases, it can even be fatal.
How Much Chocolate is Dangerous?
The risk depends on the type and amount of chocolate consumed. Dark chocolate and cocoa powder contain the highest levels of theobromine, making them the most toxic. Baking chocolate, semisweet varieties, and milk chocolate follow, whilst white chocolate poses the least risk due to its minimal theobromine content. Even if a dog does not ingest a toxic dose of theobromine, chocolate’s high fat and sugar content can still lead to pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition.
Signs of Chocolate Poisoning
The symptoms of chocolate poisoning can take several hours to appear and may last for days. They include:
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Increased thirst and excessive urination
• Restlessness, panting, and rapid heart rate
• Muscle tremors or seizures in severe cases
Another lesser-known but serious risk is liver damage. The toxins in chocolate can put strain on the liver, especially when consumed in large amounts or in dogs with pre-existing liver conditions. In Bruiser’s case, blood tests revealed elevated liver enzyme levels, indicating potential liver stress.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Chocolate
If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, contact your veterinarian immediately. They can assess whether the amount consumed is toxic and determine the best course of action. In cases like Bruiser’s, prompt veterinary intervention can prevent complications and improve the prognosis.
Treatment for Chocolate Poisoning
Treatment depends on the severity of the case but may include:
• Inducing vomiting to remove the chocolate from the stomach
• Activated charcoal to limit absorption of toxins
• Intravenous fluids for hydration and toxin elimination
• Medications to control symptoms such as tremors or irregular heart rate
• Liver support if blood tests show elevated liver enzymes
But What About Dog Treats That Look Like Chocolate?
Some dog-friendly treats contain carob, a safe chocolate substitute. However, a few specialty bakeries use small amounts of milk chocolate in dog treats. While this may be safe in minimal quantities, most veterinarians recommend avoiding chocolate altogether.
Bruiser’s story is a reminder that what seems like an innocent treat can have dangerous consequences. With vigilance and quick action, chocolate toxicity can be treated—but the best approach is prevention. For more information about foods that are toxic to your pets, chat with the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027.
