PupkeeperToxicEmergency
Can dogs eat chocolate? No: toxic
Toxic. Chocolate can cause vomiting, a racing heart, tremors and seizures in dogs. Dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous.
If your dog ate or touched this, call your vet or a pet poison line now
United States
Poison lines in other countries: United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, France, JM, PR, Singapore, Switzerland, TT, VI
Chocolate and dogs: key facts
- Verdict
- Toxic · Emergency: get help now
- What it can do
- Vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, panting or restlessness and racing heart rate. All 7
- How fast
- Usually within 6-12 hours; signs can last several days
- What to do now
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now. All steps
- Dose check
- How much chocolate? Enter the amount and your dog's weight.
- Sources
- Pet Poison Helpline, VCA Animal Hospitals, Merck Veterinary Manual. Reviewed 9 October 2026.
What should I do if my dog ate chocolate?
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now.
- Note what was eaten, roughly how much, and when.
- Keep the wrapper so the vet knows the type of chocolate.
- Check whether the candy or baked good also had raisins, macadamia nuts or xylitol.
- Move your dog away from any leftovers.
Don't
- Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
- Don't wait for signs to appear before calling.
Symptoms to watch for
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Increased thirst and urination
- Panting or restlessness
- Racing heart rate
- Muscle tremors
- Seizures
When signs appear: Usually within 6-12 hours; signs can last several days
Why
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, stimulants that dogs are more sensitive to than people. The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more it contains; white chocolate has very little.
Sources
- Pet Poison Helpline: Chocolate
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Chocolate Toxicosis in Animals
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026. Page updated 7 November 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.