Chocolate Hazards

• Two main substances in chocolate are responsible for allergic reactions and poisoning in dogs: caffeine and theobromine. Caffeine is a stimulant and while not poisonous, can cause hyperactivity, rapid heartbeat and other related symptoms. The real danger for dogs when it comes to chocolate is theobromine, which like caffeine is a natural occurring stimulant. Theobromine can cause rapid acceleration of the heart muscles, seizures and death in some cases.
  
  

Symptoms

• Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs include vomiting, nausea, hyperactivity, excessive panting and muscle twitching. The severity of the symptoms will depend on the type and amount of chocolate consumed, and the weight and metabolism level of the dog.
  
  

Toxicity

• Certain types of chocolate are more toxic to dogs then others. White chocolate is the least toxic, and cocoa and baking chocolate is the most toxic, since it contains a higher concentration of theobromine. The smaller the dog, the less chocolate it will take for it to start showing symptoms.
  
  

Treatment

• If your dog has eaten chocolate and is showing symptoms of poisoning, the most important thing to do is call your vet right away. Keep activated charcoal on hand, since the best home treatment for chocolate poisoning is to have your dog eat activated charcoal, which acts as a binding agent and can slow down the spread of toxic substances in the body.
  
  

Considerations

• If your large dog eats one white chocolate chip cookie, the results will be very different than if your small dog eats a large amount of dark chocolate cake, but poisoning is a possibility in both situations. Keep your dog safe by keeping all chocolate out of his reach.