At Fitdog, we believe that daily activities and socialization helps your dog become the best they can be. We offer three unique programs to help you the most of your dog’s time, when your not there.
fitdog home
  • Asset 4 fitdog club
    • Services
    • Pricing
    • Assessment
    • Login
  • Asset 5 fitdog sports
    • Classes
    • Leaders
    • Sign Up
    • Login
  • Asset 3 fitdog training
    • Programs
    • Trainers
    • Get started
About
Blog: Off the Leash
Questions? Let’s Talk!
contact@fitdog.com (310) 828 - 3647
Follow us on Social Media:
Login to Club
Login to Sports
  • Club
  • Sports
  • Training
  • About
  • Blog
(310) 828 - 3647

Why is chocolate so toxic for dogs?

And how much is lethal?

Collapse
More from

Off The Leash:

The 5 Best Dog Harnesses for Safety
February 23, 2023
Dog Parks: Harmful or Helpful?
December 12, 2022
Your Complete Guide to The Most Dog-Friendly National Parks
July 01, 2022
The Best Dog-Friendly Airlines and Their Pet Policies
June 09, 2022
How to stop your dog from digging
May 17, 2022
Five tips to follow when bringing a new pet home
November 04, 2021
Beginner’s Guide to Lure Coursing
November 03, 2021
Deadly Disease: Why Lepto Should be a Core Vaccine
July 21, 2021
Guide to Common Dog Diseases & Parasites
July 26, 2021
The 7 Best Podcasts for Dog Lovers
May 27, 2021
Avoid These Grooming Mistakes With Your Doodle
April 17, 2021
5 Benefits of Teaching Your Dog How to Swim
April 09, 2021
5 tips to re-socializing your dog after the pandemic
February 26, 2021
5 Animal Non-Profits to Donate to This Holiday Season
December 18, 2020
7 Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving Foods
November 26, 2020
10 Best Dog Photography Tips
October 27, 2020
Importance of Developmental Based Dog Training
October 21, 2020
Complete guide to treating dog allergies
September 15, 2020
Overweight Dogs: COVID-19 Made My Dog Fat!
August 19, 2020
Best Pet Tech Products 2020
August 15, 2020
Best Backyard Activities for your Dog
July 30, 2020
Foxtails in dogs: A hidden danger on your hiking trail
July 23, 2020
7 Tips to Teach Your Dog How to Swim
July 15, 2020
How to modify your home for an elderly pet
July 09, 2020
Frozen Dog Treats for Summer: 4 Pupsicle Recipes to Treat your Dog
July 03, 2020
Dog scared of fireworks? Prepare your dog for 4th of July fireworks before …
June 26, 2022
Stop your puppy from biting with stuffables
June 17, 2020
Socializing Your Dog After COVID-19
June 14, 2020
Dog-Friendly Camping: 8 Pet Friendly Campgrounds in California
June 09, 2020
7 Best Easy DIY Dog Treat Recipes
May 26, 2020
Train and Play Philosophy
May 18, 2020
Andrea Servadio
Andrea Servadio
January 10, 2023

Did you know that 35 million people will receive heart-shaped chocolate boxes this Valentine’s making it the busiest day for veterinarians to field calls and treat chocolate poisoning in dogs?

dogs and chocolate

If you have a dog, you are likely aware that chocolate and dogs are a notoriously bad combination and can have lethal consequences. Even tho chocolate is poisonous to dogs, it won’t stop your dog from trying to eat it. Dogs have eaten whole pans of brownies, entire chocolate cakes and boxes of chocolates and all of them ended up at the vet.

Why is Chocolate Toxic to Dogs?

Unfortunately for man’s best friend, chocolate is toxic and can cause severe poisoning and even death. That’s because chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine (a stimulant similar to caffeine). Dogs can’t process theobromine, so the levels accumulate and become deadly.

Different types of chocolate contain different amounts of theobromine. Dark or baker’s chocolate contains 10x more theobromine than milk chocolate. Levels vary from 130mg to 450mg of theobromine in an ounce of dark chocolate to 44mg to 58mg in an ounce of milk chocolate.

It only takes 115mg of theobromine per 2.2 pounds of body weight to kill a dog. To put that in perspective, 2 ounces of dark chocolate or 20 ounces of milk chocolate could kill a 20-pound dog. That’s equivalent to approx. three-fourths of a dark Ghirardelli chocolate bar or four and a half Hershey chocolate bars.

 

infographic how much chocolate could be poisonous to your dog

 

If your dog happens to snag a few chocolates on the sly, you’ll want to look for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or hyperactivity. For larger consumption, you will notice an increase in your dog’s heart rate, muscle twitching, excessive panting, restlessness, and increased urination. If not treated immediately, it can lead to hyperthermia, muscle tremors, seizures, coma, and death.

If you know your dog ate chocolate, don’t do the math – call your veterinarian immediately. 

Prevention is the Best Strategy

Store chocolate in a top-level cabinet or the refrigerator where it is not accessible by your dog. Dogs are sneaky, smart, and they enjoy the taste of chocolate, so choose a good hiding place.

Never leave chocolate out on counters or coffee tables. If you want to leave chocolates out for guests, secure your dog in another room or leave them with a friend for the night.

Have a heart shaped box at home that you are dying to dig into? Secure your dog in another room while enjoying your treats.  Eating chocolate in front of your pup will tempt them to find it later. Remember that they have extra powerful noses, so they’ll remember the scent and hunt it down later.

Doggy Safe Valentine Recipes

Feeling bad that you can’t share your Valentine treats? There are ways you can make treats  for your pup by substituting carob for chocolate. Here are recipes that you and your dog will enjoy!

This blog was originally published on February 4, 2014 and updated on January 10, 2023.

Categories:
  • Press
  • Valentine's Day
What’s next?
DIY Doggy Valentine Treats

We all know dogs can't eat chocolate. But, there are still plenty of DIY dog valentines treats for your dog that they will love! We found a delicious and easy recipe, Frozen Peanut Butter & Yogurt Hearts, that is...

read more
More from Off The Leash:
The 5 Best Dog Harnesses for Safety
February 23, 2023
Dog Parks: Harmful or Helpful?
December 12, 2022
Your Complete Guide to The Most Dog-Friendly National Parks
July 01, 2022
More Fitdog
Fitdog Home
FAQ
Contact
Fitdog Club
  • Services
  • Pricing
  • Join the Club
Fitdog Sports
  • Classes
  • Leaders
  • Sign Up
Fitdog Training
  • Programs
  • Trainers
  • Get Started
Blog
  • Off The Leash
  • Resources
  • About
  • Become a Trainer
  • Employment Opportunities
contact@fitdog.com
(310) 828 - 3647
1712 21st Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions
© 2018 Fitdog. All Rights Reserved.
Designed and Developed by