Death by Chocolate

A Chocolate Story for Owners of Dogs and Cats

Chocolate is a tasty but extremely dangerous food item containing the stimulants theobromine and caffeine. Dogs and cats are much more sensitive to the effects of these products than people.

Dark chocolate is concentrated and more dangerous than milk or white chocolate.

A lethal amount of milk chocolate is 60 grams for every 1 kg of body weight or 7 grams of baking chocolate for every 1 kg of body weight. These are seriously small amounts so be very careful when leaving chocolate or chocolate containing products in easily accessible places.

A pet that has ingested a toxic amount will have clinical signs affecting the gastrointestinal tract, heart and central nervous system.

Vomiting and diarrhoea is often seen within 2-4 hours after eating as well as restlessness and an increase in urinating. As the condition progresses, stiffness, and seizures may develop. In severe cases, death occurs 12-36 hours after an intake of a lethal amount.

The treatment of chocolate poisoning included inducing vomiting in those patients that are not having seizures.

If you are unable to reach a veterinary clinic and your pet has eaten the chocolate less than 2 hours beforehand, then you can attempt to induce vomiting by dosing 3% hydrogen peroxide (not hair colour strength) at  1-5ml per 1 kg of body weight. This can be repeated once if no vomiting has occurred after 10-15 minutes but do not exceed a total dose of 50ml in dogs and 10ml in cats.

Transport your pet to the closest veterinarian or vet emergency centre immediately. Always bring along the packaging and make an attempt to assess the quantity of chocolate ingested, the time of ingestion and the when clinical signs first started. Full recovery is expected if the toxicity is attended to within 2-4 hours after ingestion

Dr. Barry Odesnik

BVSc (hons)

Vital Vet Animal Hospital