Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
6443793 tn?1469746195

How poisonous is chocolate?

I think my dog ate a crumb of chocolate that fell to the floor. She woke up throwing up next day and was out of sorts for the remainder of that day. She then bounced back. Could the small amount of chocolate have caused her to fall ill?  She's an 11 lbs terrier mix (small).
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
441382 tn?1452810569
Unless your dog is HIGHLY allergic or sensitive, a crumb of chocolate is not going to make her sick.  Even an 11 pound dog, small though she may be, will not react to a crumb of chocolate.  
Theobromine is the substance in chocolate that is toxic to dogs and cats.  Different types of chocolate have higher or lower concentrations of theobromine in them, so depending on what type of chocolate it was, some are more dangerous than others.
Bakers chocolate has the highest amounts of theobromine in it and is very dangerous for dogs and cats to eat.  Cocoa powder is as toxic as bakers chocolate.  Even a piece as small as one ounce can be dangerous for a large dog to eat, and for a small dog a piece that size can be deadly.  Dark (semi-sweet) chocolate is the next highest concentration.   A one ounce piece in a dog weighing 11 pounds is moderately toxic.  Milk chocolate is much milder.  A one ounce piece in a dog weighing 11 pounds is only mildly toxic, so if it was milk chocolate and it was only a crumb, then there is practically no danger to your dog.   White chocolate isn't chocolate at all, so there is basically no danger to your dog if she eats it.  
Symptoms of chocolate toxicity include vomiting, increased body temperature, hyperactivity and hypervigilance, muscle rigidity, rapid breathing, increased heart rate and lowered blood pressure.  If your dog experiences any of these, take her to a vet immediately just to be on the safe side.  

Ghilly
Helpful - 0
1916673 tn?1420233270
Hi. Yes, it's very possible. Human chocolate has several ingredients that make it toxic to dogs, and many varieties also include a sweetener called xylitol, which can cause a severe reaction in dogs. It is very dangerous. I'm pleased she "bounced back", but do try to be more careful in the future.

Tony
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Dogs Community

Top Dogs Answerers
675347 tn?1365460645
United Kingdom
974371 tn?1424653129
Central Valley, CA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Members of our Pet Communities share their Halloween pet photos.
Like to travel but hate to leave your pooch at home? Dr. Carol Osborne talks tips on how (and where!) to take a trip with your pampered pet
Ooh and aah your way through these too-cute photos of MedHelp members' best friends
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.