WHY
Theobromine is the problem
PDSA says theobromine is harmless to humans but toxic to dogs because they struggle to break it down. As a rule, the darker the chocolate, the more toxic.
Check a chocolateWHAT UK VETS AND CHARITIES SAY
Keep the chocolates
up high.
Chocolate is a treat for us and a poison for dogs.
Check a chocolate
DARKERmeans riskier
The culprit is theobromine, a caffeine-like stimulant that dogs struggle to break down. UK vet records show cases peak at Christmas, when boxes, calendars and tree decorations are within reach.
At a glance
- Never share chocolate
- Store it out of reach
- Call the vet, don't wait
- A safer festive season
2–4 hours
When signs usually appear
PDSA says symptoms of chocolate poisoning usually appear within two to four hours but can take up to 12 hours, which is why it advises calling the vet before any appear.
SYMPTOMS · PDSA
386 cases
Chocolate cases analysed, 2013 to 2017
The SAVSNET study used records from 229 UK veterinary practices and found significant peaks at Christmas and, to a lesser extent, at Easter.
UK VET RECORDS · UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL
TWO NUMBERS WORTH KNOWING
Symptoms take time,
so don't wait for them.
One figure on how quickly signs appear,
one on the UK study that found the Christmas peak.
The Veterinary Poisons Information Service says chocolate poisoning is one of the most common enquiries it receives, and that fatal chocolate poisoning is uncommon. Chocolate is also toxic to cats, rabbits and rodents.
A QUICK CHOCOLATE CHECK
Which chocolate
was it?
Pick the kind of chocolate to see what PDSA guidance says about it. The bar shows how concentrated the theobromine is likely to be.
Based on PDSA guidance. Whatever the type, if your dog has eaten chocolate, call your vet for advice. This is general information, not veterinary advice.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Never share it,
act fast if eaten.
How serious it is depends on the chocolate,
the amount and the size of the dog.
WHEN
Christmas is the peak
A University of Liverpool study of UK vet records found a significant peak at Christmas, and a smaller one at Easter, as chocolate becomes easier to reach at home.
See the study
WHAT TO DO
Call the vet straight away
If you think your dog has eaten chocolate, don't wait for symptoms. Keep the packaging and phone your vet with the type, amount, your dog's size and the time.
What to do
IF YOUR DOG EATS CHOCOLATE
Four steps,
in this order.
These steps follow PDSA and RSPCA advice. Your vet will decide what treatment, if any, is needed.
Move the dog away
Stay calm and move your dog away from the chocolate so it cannot eat any more.
Keep the packaging
The wrapper shows the type and cocoa content. Work out roughly how much was eaten and when.
Phone your vet now
Don't wait for symptoms. Tell the vet the type and amount of chocolate, your dog's size and the time it happened.
Don't make your dog sick
Never try to make your dog vomit at home, and never use salt water, which the RSPCA calls extremely dangerous.
KEEPING IT OUT OF REACH
Most cases start
with an easy grab.
In the Liverpool study, the amount eaten was usually quite small, and common festive culprits included selection boxes, chocolate cake, liqueurs, chocolate Santas and advent calendars.
Chocolate eating was significantly less common in older dogs, and no breed was more at risk than others. The researchers advise keeping festive chocolates away from pets and seeing the vet quickly where a toxic amount may have been eaten.
Questions
Questions people ask
Why is chocolate poisonous to dogs?
It contains theobromine, a caffeine-like substance. PDSA says it is harmless to humans but toxic to dogs because they struggle to break it down. Chocolate can also contain a little caffeine.
Is a small piece of milk chocolate dangerous?
It depends on the amount, the size of the dog and the cocoa content. PDSA says even chocolate with less cocoa can be toxic if enough is eaten, so call your vet for advice.
What are the signs of chocolate poisoning?
PDSA lists restlessness and hyperactivity, vomiting, diarrhoea, drinking and weeing more, and tummy pain. Severe cases can bring tremors, fever, seizures and a fast heart rate.
Should I make my dog sick?
No. PDSA and the RSPCA both say not to try to make your dog vomit at home, and the RSPCA warns that salt water is extremely dangerous. A vet may do this safely if it is needed.
Can cats and rabbits get chocolate poisoning too?
Yes. PDSA says theobromine is toxic to dogs, cats and rabbits, and the Veterinary Poisons Information Service adds rodents to the list.
Sources
Where the facts come from
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