Overview

Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are highly toxic to dogs and cats. These varieties contain concentrated levels of theobromine and caffeine - compounds that dogs and cats cannot metabolize efficiently. As little as one ounce of baking chocolate per pound of body weight can be lethal. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. White chocolate contains negligible theobromine but the high fat content can still trigger pancreatitis. If your dog ate dark chocolate, baker's chocolate, or cocoa powder, this is a veterinary emergency.

Symptoms

Vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, seizures, heart arrhythmias

Typical onset

6-12 hours

What to do

Seek emergency care immediately, especially if dark/baking chocolate. Bring packaging if possible.