If a dog eats chocolate, it can suffer from chocolate toxicity due to two toxic components in chocolate: caffeine and theobromine. Dogs cannot metabolize these substances like humans, leading to stimulation of the central nervous system and heart, as well as acting as diuretics that can cause dehydration
. What happens to dogs after eating chocolate:
- Symptoms usually appear within 2 to 12 hours after ingestion and can last 12 to 36 hours or longer in severe cases
- Early signs include vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, and restlessness
- More severe symptoms include increased heart rate or irregular heartbeat, hyperexcitability, tremors, incoordination, seizures, fever, and even coma
- The severity depends on the type and amount of chocolate consumed and the size of the dog. Darker chocolates (like baking or dark chocolate) contain higher levels of theobromine and caffeine and are more toxic than milk chocolate; white chocolate is the least toxic but still not recommended
- In extreme cases, chocolate poisoning can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, hyperthermia, respiratory failure, pancreatitis, or death
What to do if a dog eats chocolate:
- Contact a veterinarian immediately, even if symptoms are not yet visible
- Treatment may include inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal to absorb toxins, intravenous fluids, and medications to control heart rate and seizures
- Prompt veterinary care improves prognosis significantly, even in cases of large chocolate ingestion
In summary, chocolate ingestion in dogs is a medical emergency because of the toxic effects of theobromine and caffeine, which can cause serious and potentially fatal symptoms affecting the heart and nervous system. Immediate veterinary attention is critical
