Chocolate (Theobromine) toxicity
Advice regarding suspected chocolate (Theobromine) poisoning - and a excel sheet for calculation
The Excel sheet below can be used for individual calculation of toxicity when consuming different cocoa products - based on the ratio between the animal's weight and the presumed theobromine in different types of chocolate.
The following procedure and information to the client can be used in the case of an suspected intake of a toxic cacao dose:
Counseling regarding intake of chocolate at a toxic level
Thank you for your call and conversation with you about lovely XX (dog's name)
Dogs and especially puppies like to explore their surroundings by licking and eating inappropriate things such as chocolate.
Chocolate contains an alkaloid called theobromine. The theobromine in chocolate is safe to eat for humans but dogs and cats are not very good at metabolising theobromine and therefore toxicity can develops.
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning depend on the theobromine concentration in the specific type of chocolate, the amount consumed by the animal and the weight of the animal.
Based on the info that you have provided, I have reason to believe that the intake in this case is above the toxic level.
I therefore recommend that you contact your local veterinarian. Call directly to book an emergency appointment.
Untreated poisoning can lead to serious, even fatal consequences. The symptoms often appear between 2-24 hours after intake, and can be:
- Generally unwell
- Trembling, weakness and loss of balance
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- increased heart rate
- Increased body temperature
- Salivation and nausea
- Cramps
The delay in the signs mean that animals that initially seems well, can benefit from urgent treatment, and I therefore recommend that you contact your local veterinarian ASAP. Call directly to book an emergency appointment.
The veterinary surgeon may decide to prevent further chocolate absorption. This can be done by inducing vomiting, rinsing out the dog's stomach, administering activated charcoal. These procedures aim to reduce the amount of chocolate that is available for absorption into the pets body. IV fluid therapy and other medical treatments may help to treat or reduce the signs of toxicity.
Please bring any packaging or information regarding the ingested product to the veterinary surgery. Please book an emergency appointment as soon as possible.