Signs of Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs

It's something we all know, dogs get sick from eating chocolate. But why is that?

Well - there are two ingredients in chocolate that makes our dogs (and cats) sick, this is caffeine and the chemical used in chocolate called theobromine.
Dog's bodies and organs are not able to metabolize either of these chemicals the same way that humans can which makes them far more sensitive to the effects of them.

Theobromine is a compound found within cocoa which is used to make chocolate. It is toxic to not only dogs but cats and other pets also. The amount of Theobromine in chocolate does vary between the types of chocolate, with dark chocolate and baking chocolate having a higher level then milk chocolate. The amount that a pet digests obviously results in how much they are affect, though left un noticed even a small amount can lead to serious issues, even death.

Symptoms can include increased heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, nervousness, hyperactivity, trembling, increased drinking, increased urination and seizures.

Chocolate should always be kept out of pets reach and never intentionally given, not even as a small treat. If your pet does happen to digest chocolate, or you suspect they may have, contact your vet immediately.
​Emergency 24/7 vets are open over the public holidays of the Easter long weekend. It's best to be aware of your closest clinic in case of any emergencies.