As sweet and comforting as chocolate can be for humans, it’s equally as dangerous for canines. This treat contains theobromine and caffeine, compounds that are highly toxic to dogs. Although consuming these ingredients may not always be deadly, they can still cause a variety of serious veterinary health problems—such as vomiting, heart dysfunction, and seizures. That’s why it’s essential to act fast if you suspect your four-legged friend has consumed the sweet stuff. To help you protect your pup, here are four emergency pet care steps to take if your dog eats chocolate.

4 Steps to Take If Your Dog Eats Chocolate

1. Prevent Further Consumption

If you catch your dog eating chocolate, stop them immediately. Secure your pet and carefully use your fingers to remove any excess chocolate from their mouth so they can’t consume more. Remove all chocolate so they won’t be tempted to eat more.

2. Identify the Chocolate

Take note of how much and what type of chocolate your dog ate. This information can be beneficial for your veterinarian when determining if emergency pet care is necessary. For example, small amounts of chocolate may not be as harmful to larger dogs as smaller breeds. Similarly, certain types are more dangerous than others—such as cocoa powder and unsweetened chocolate.

3. Monitor Symptoms

Keep an eye on your dog and record any symptoms that they are exhibiting. Warning signs of an emergency include vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, elevated heart rate, tremors, collapse, and seizures. If you notice these signs, it’s time to call a professional. Even if your pet isn’t exhibiting any symptoms right away, it’s essential to monitor them for 72 hours after the initial incident, as some effects may be delayed.   

4. Call Your Animal Clinic

If your dog is exhibiting concerning symptoms or you’re unsure of how much chocolate they ate, it’s best to call an emergency pet care provider as soon as possible. If you can’t reach a local veterinarian, call the Pet Poison Control Hotline at (855) 213-6680 for advice. Follow all instructions that the professionals provide—which may involve inducing vomiting or bringing your pet to a nearby animal clinic.

Tending to animals both small and large, Countryside Veterinary Service is a leading provider of emergency pet care for all of Northeastern Ohio and Northwestern Pennsylvania. Equipped with state-of-the-art resources, these experienced veterinarians will provide instructions on how to care for your dog if they consume chocolate or any other toxic substances. If necessary, this animal clinic offers animal surgery and hospitalization services to help your canine recover in comfort. Visit this veterinary hospital online to learn more about their services and hours or call any of the locations below to request emergency support:

Countryside Veterinary Service – Garrettsville: (330) 527-4400
Countryside Veterinary Service – Kinsman: (330) 876-5555 
Countryside Veterinary Service – Middlefield: (440) 632-9181
Countryside Veterinary Service – Champion: (330) 847-7205
Countryside Veterinary Service – Jamestown: (724) 932-3865