Valentine’s Day can be a special occasion where chocolate is often exchanged. However, if your dog gets into these treats, you might need an emergency trip to the veterinarian. The following guide will help you understand what to know about pet care around chocolate.

Why Is Chocolate Harmful to Dogs?

Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which acts as a powerful stimulant for dogs. This chemical, when combined with the caffeine also found in chocolate, can be severely dangerous. Strong chocolates with lots of cocoa powder, such as baker’s chocolate or dark chocolate, contain more of these chemicals and pose higher risks. 

Roughly one ounce of milk chocolate per pound of your dog’s weight is enough to cause serious problems. While very small amounts of chocolate (such as a few crumbs or one small square of a chocolate bar) may not pose a hazard to a large dog’s health, eating several Valentine’s chocolates, especially if they’re dark chocolate, will cause issues in most canines. Dogs with compromised health — such as seniors or those with health conditions — may experience symptoms at smaller doses than healthy dogs, too.

What Are the Symptoms of Chocolate Poisoning?

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning generally present within 6-12 hours of ingestion and can range from stomach upset to seizures and death. Other symptoms include restlessness, abundant energy, trembling, muscle spasms, excessive drinking and urination, vomiting, and a rapid heartbeat. Veterinary care is critical to your dog recovering and having minimal symptoms.

What Should You Do If They Eat It?

If your pet has eaten chocolate, contact an emergency veterinarian right away. If you don’t get an answer or don’t have the number for one, you can also call the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 213-6680, where they’ll give you pet care advice. You’ll need to know how much chocolate your dog ate and what kind it was, as well as when they ate it. A veterinarian will usually be able to treat chocolate poisoning at the animal hospital if you get pet care as soon as possible.

When your dog has eaten chocolate, you need an experienced veterinarian to provide reliable care. Perry Animal Hospital in Perry, GA, will be there for you and your pup, with affordable pricing and flexible scheduling. Their animal hospital accepts CareCredit® to ensure your pup gets the care they need. They have an on-call vet to handle emergencies, too. Learn more about their services online, and call (478) 224-7387 to arrange care now.