If your dog just got into chocolate, take a breath. Here’s exactly what to do, in order.
Quick answer Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 now (a consultation fee may apply). Have these ready: your dog’s weight, the kind of chocolate, about how much was eaten, and when. Darker chocolate is more dangerous. Don’t make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
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Tools & materials
- The wrapper or packaging
- Your dog’s approximate weight
- Your vet’s number, or the nearest emergency vet
Steps
- Get your dog away from any chocolate that’s left.
- Figure out what kind it was. Baking chocolate, cocoa powder and dark chocolate are the most dangerous. Milk chocolate is less so, and white chocolate has very little of the toxic stuff, though it’s still fatty.
- Estimate how much is missing and note the time.
- Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 and follow their instructions.
- Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, panting, heavy thirst or peeing, racing heart, tremors or seizures. Signs often show up within several hours and can last a day or more.
- If there are tremors, seizures, collapse or trouble breathing, go to an emergency vet now.
Safety: Don’t give home remedies, and don’t make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which dogs process slowly. Small dogs and dark chocolate are the riskiest mix. Cats are affected too.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. When in doubt, call.