The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous for your dog
Chocolate is one of the most delicious treats we as humans treat ourselves with, and it is very tempting to indulge our pets with tasty chocolate treats too. Some pet owners will claim that they have given their dogs chocolate with no ill result, but the danger is very real.
The danger depends on a couple of factors. These include the type of chocolate, the size of the dog and of course the amount of chocolate eaten.
The toxic ingredient in chocolate is called theobromine. Dogs cannot metabolise theobromine in the same way humans can, and because of this, toxic levels can easily build up in their systems.
The darker the chocolate, the more toxic it will be to dogs. Milk chocolate or white chocolate is much less toxic to dogs than for example 80% dark chocolate.
Large dogs can eat much more than small breeds without any effect. For example, if a 30kg dog eats 2 blocks of milk chocolate, there is no need for concern.
However, should a 5kg dog eat 10 blocks of dark chocolate, there is a considerable need for concern, and in such a case the owner should get veterinary advise as soon as possible.
In serious cases, theobromine can cause muscle tremors, seizures, arrythmias, or even heart failure.
“Any amount of dark chocolate consumed should be treated as dangerous, to stay on the safe side. Veterinary consultancy should be sought”, says Dr Elizna Boag, Afrivet’s general manager for companion animals.
