Chocolate Toxicosis

Chocolate ingestion is a common problem seen in dogs, who tend to gobble up anything they can reach.  It is rarely seen in cats, who are more fastidious about what they eat.  Toxicosis (poisoning) can occur, depending on the amount and the type of chocolate eaten as well as the size of the dog.  The main ingredient in chocolate that causes illness is theobromine, a natural occurring substance in the cocoa bean.  Some of the visible symptoms of theobromine toxicity are vomiting, restlessness and muscle tremors.  Larger doses can cause seizures, coma, and even death.

Baking chocolate has six to nine times as much theobromine as milk chocolate, and dark or semi-sweet has about three times that of milk chocolate.  A quick, rough estimate of the amount that needs to be ingested to show symptoms is about 1 once of milk chocolate per pound of dog.  Estimates of the smallest amounts that can be fatal are shown below.

The standard treatment protocol consists of several steps.  First, immediate inducement of vomiting and/or gastric lavage (pumping the stomach).  IV fluids are started as soon as possible to help flush the toxin out of the bloodstream.  Medical grade activated charcoal (Never give store-bought charcoal to a pet), an absorbent, is then given orally to help soak up any remaining chocolate in the G/I tract.  There is no specific antidote for it.  Sedatives may be needed to help relax muscle spasms, and, in severe cases, special cardiac drugs and oxygen may be necessary if the heart is affected by the toxin.

Pets that have ingested a toxic amount usually recover with hospitalization and aggressive therapy, unless a large enough amount has already been absorbed.  If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxin, call a veterinarian, or the National Animal Poison Control Center at 1-800-548-2423.

The best cure for chocolate toxicosis is prevention.  Keep all such items well out of pets’ reach.  Never underestimate your dog’s ability to reach food on a table or counter, and if an accident does happen, seek help quickly.