Almost everyone knows dogs and chocolate don't mix, but did you know it's toxic to cats as well? What happens when your pet eats chocolate, and how bad is it? It actually depends on what kind of chocolate and how much was consumed. Despite being a delicious, sweet treat for humans, it can be very hazardous for your dog or cat's health. 

1. Why Can't Pets Eat Chocolate?

Chocolate contains an ingredient called theobromine, which is similar to caffeine and toxic to dogs and cats. Humans are able to easily metabolize theobromine, but pets process it much more slowly which can lead to toxic levels in their system. 

2. Which Types of Chocolate Are More Toxic?

Knowing how much and what kind of chocolate your pet ingested can help you determine if it is an emergency. As a rule, mild symptoms of chocolate toxicity can occur when more than an ounce per pound of body weight is consumed. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine which both speed the heart rate and nervous systems in dogs and cats. Here are types of chocolate listed from most severe (highest theobromine content) to least:

1. Cocoa Powder (most toxic)
2. Unsweetened Baker's Chocolate
3. Semisweet Chocolate
4. Dark Chocolate
5. Milk Chocolate

3. What Are The Clinical Signs of Chocolate Poisoning?

A large animal can consume more chocolate than a small animal before suffering effects. If only a small amount of chocolate is consumed, it may cause less severe effects such as upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea. If larger amounts are ingested, there may be more severe signs such as restlessness, racing heart rate, increased thirst and excessive urination. Sudden death or cardiac arrest may occur, especially if there are preexisting conditions or factors. Clinical signs of chocolate poisoning can take many hours to develop, and the effects can last for days. 

4. What To Do if Your Dog/Cat Ate Chocolate?

Treatment options can vary depending on how much and what type of chocolate was eaten. If treated early, vomiting can be induced to remove the chocolate from the stomach and avoid the absorption of theobromine. Other supportive therapies such as Durvet Activated Clay Gel or activated charcoal can be given every 4-6 hours to help reduce absorption. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian or a Pet Poison Hotline to seek further advice. 

Source:
AKC Staff. 2019 October 25. What To Do If Your Dog Eats Chocolate. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/what-to-do-if-your-dog-ate-chocolate/.