My Dog Ate Chocolate: What to Do Right Now
Short answer: find out what kind of chocolate and how much, check the dose for your dog's weight with the calculator below, and call your vet or a pet poison hotline (ASPCA (888) 426-4435, Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661) if it is above the low level or you are not sure. Do not make your dog vomit at home unless a vet tells you to.
Step 1: work out what and how much
- Type: find the wrapper. Baking chocolate, cocoa powder and dark chocolate are far more dangerous than milk chocolate. White chocolate has almost no theobromine.
- Amount: the most it could have been. A regular milk chocolate bar is about 1.5 oz (43 g); a bag of chocolate chips is usually 10 to 12 oz.
- Time: when it happened. Vets can make a dog vomit safely, usually within about 1 to 2 hours of eating.
- Other ingredients: raisins, macadamia nuts and xylitol are dangerous on their own.
Step 2: check the dose
| Dose | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Under 20 mg/kg | Low: usually no signs or an upset stomach | Watch for 24 hours; call your vet if signs appear |
| 20-40 mg/kg | Mild signs likely: vomiting, diarrhea, thirst, restlessness | Call your vet or a hotline now |
| 40-60 mg/kg | Heart effects possible | Go to a vet now |
| 60 mg/kg and up | Tremors and seizures possible | Emergency: go now |
Example: a 20 lb dog that ate 2 oz of milk chocolate has a dose of about 14 mg/kg (low). The same dog eating 1 oz of baking chocolate reaches about 50 mg/kg (serious). For charts by weight, see how much chocolate is toxic to dogs.
Step 3: call, and do not try home remedies
Call your vet, an emergency clinic, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (both charge a consultation fee). Have the weight of your dog and the package ready. Do not give salt, mustard or hydrogen peroxide unless a vet tells you to: they can cause more harm.
Symptoms and timeline
| Time after eating | What you may see |
|---|---|
| 2-4 hours | Restlessness, drinking a lot, vomiting |
| 6-12 hours | Diarrhea, panting, fast heartbeat, peeing more (most signs start in this window) |
| 12-72 hours | In severe cases tremors, high temperature, seizures; signs can last up to 3 days |
What the vet may do
Depending on the dose and timing: make your dog vomit, give activated charcoal to absorb what is left, give IV fluids, and monitor the heart. Most dogs that are treated early recover fully.
Preventing it next time
- Keep chocolate, cocoa and baking supplies in closed cupboards, not on counters or in bags on the floor.
- Holidays (Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter) are when most chocolate poisonings happen.
- Give dog-safe treats instead; see the can dogs eat it checker.
Sources: Merck Veterinary Manual, "Chocolate Toxicosis in Animals"; ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center; Pet Poison Helpline.
Try the dog chocolate toxicity calculator
Enter your own numbers below, or open the full dog chocolate toxicity calculator with the formula and more examples.
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Your pet may differ: ask your vet. Terms
Frequently asked questions
My dog ate chocolate but seems fine. Do I still need to call?
If the dose is above about 20 mg/kg, or you do not know how much was eaten, yes. Signs often start 6 to 12 hours later, and treatment works best before they appear.
How long after eating chocolate will a dog get sick?
Usually within 6 to 12 hours, and signs can last up to 72 hours.
Should I make my dog throw up after eating chocolate?
Only if a vet or poison hotline tells you to. Vets use medicine that is safer than home methods.
Can a small piece of chocolate kill a dog?
A small piece of milk chocolate is unlikely to seriously harm a medium or large dog. Baking chocolate and cocoa powder are much stronger, and small dogs are at more risk, so check the dose.