Chocolate is a source of happiness for taste buds all over the world. We love it's sweet, delicious flavor- and often enjoy it in large quantities during the holiday season. How could chocolate possibly cause any harm when it brings us so much joy? Unfortunately, the truth is that it can cause a significant amount of harm to your canine companion. Here are some answers to a few common questions about chocolate toxicity in dogs:

What makes chocolate toxic to dogs?

Chocolate contains theobromine, a xanthine compound which is in the same family as caffeine and theophylline- and is toxic to dogs in large doses. Xanthenes affect the nervous system and cardiovascular system primarily. Symptoms of toxicity include hyper excitability, increased heart rate, restlessness, increased urination, muscle tremors, vomiting, diarrhea and in extreme cases, even death.

How much chocolate is a toxic amount for my dog?

The toxic dose of theobromine for a dog is 100-150mg/kg (1kg=2.2lbs). Of course, different types of chocolate contain different amounts of theobromine. For example, Milk chocolate has very little as compared to baker's chocolate which is much more concentrated. On average:

Milk chocolate= 44mg theobromine/oz.
Semisweet chocolate=150mg/oz.
Bakers chocolate=390mg/oz.

Therefore a toxic dose for a pet is roughly:
Milk chocolate= 1 oz. per 1 lb of body weight
Semisweet chocolate= 1 oz. per 3 lbs of body weight
Bakers chocolate= 1 oz. per 9 lbs body weight

What do I do if my dog has ingested a toxic dose of chocolate?

If the dog has eaten the chocolate within the first hour, your pet will need to be induced to vomit. Our preference is to call your regular veterinarian before administering any medications, such as hydrogen peroxide, to induce vomiting. If possible, first seek immediate medical attention. If this is not possible, hydrogen peroxide for dogs may be given at home, 1-2 teaspoons for a small dog and up to a ¹ cup for a large breed dog. Whether or not you are able to make your dog vomit, your dog should then be seen by a veterinarian immediately. Further treatment for chocolate toxicity may include some of the following life saving treatments:
-induction of vomiting using IV medication
-administration of activated charcoal to inhibit absorption of the toxin
-Oxygen therapy
-IV medications to control cardiovascular symptoms
-IV fluids

You may also call the National Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
This is a 24 hour service provided by the ASPCA with doctors available 24 hours a day. There is a modest fee for this phone call. It is crucial to mention all ingredients ingested by your dog, as certain chocolate treats such as truffles, or chocolate covered espresso beans carry a much higher risk to your pet.

So, let's keep our canine companions safe by keeping them away from all forms of chocolate! There are many safe and healthy treats available which I'm sure they would approve of as well.