How chocolate poisoning works in dogs
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine — stimulants that dogs metabolize far more slowly than humans. The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains, and the more dangerous it is. Our calculator estimates the theobromine dose per kilogram of your dog's body weight and compares it to established veterinary toxicity thresholds.
Theobromine content by chocolate type
| Chocolate type | Theobromine (approx.) | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| White chocolate | ~0.25 mg/g | Negligible |
| Milk chocolate | ~2.0 mg/g | Moderate |
| Dark / semi-sweet | ~5.5 mg/g | High |
| Baking chocolate | ~16 mg/g | Very high |
| Cocoa powder | ~26 mg/g | Extreme |
Toxicity thresholds
- Under 20 mg/kg — mild or no signs likely, but monitor closely.
- 20–40 mg/kg — vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, increased thirst.
- 40–60 mg/kg — cardiac effects: racing or irregular heartbeat.
- Over 60 mg/kg — risk of tremors and seizures. Treat as an emergency.
Symptoms to watch for
Signs usually appear within 6–12 hours and can last up to 72 hours: vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, excessive thirst and urination, panting, muscle tremors, elevated heart rate, and seizures. Puppies, seniors, and dogs with heart conditions are at higher risk.
Frequently asked questions
My dog ate chocolate but seems fine — should I still call the vet?
Yes, if the calculator shows anything above "low risk." Symptoms can take 6–12 hours to appear, and early treatment (such as inducing vomiting) is most effective in the first couple of hours.
Is white chocolate dangerous?
White chocolate has almost no theobromine, so poisoning is unlikely. However, its high fat and sugar can still cause an upset stomach or, in large amounts, pancreatitis.
How long does chocolate stay in a dog's system?
Theobromine has a long half-life in dogs (around 17–18 hours), so effects can persist for up to 72 hours.
More safety checkers: xylitol · grapes & raisins · onion & garlic.