How much chocolate is toxic to a dog?
Risk is based on theobromine dose per kilogram of body weight. Below about 20 mg/kg, most dogs show only stomach upset or no signs. From 20-40 mg/kg, vomiting, diarrhea and restlessness become more likely. Above 40 mg/kg, a fast heart rate and tremors are possible, and above 60 mg/kg seizures become a serious concern.
Chocolate type changes the dose dramatically. White chocolate contains almost no theobromine but still has fat and sugar. Baking chocolate and cocoa powder are several times more concentrated than milk chocolate, so a small amount can matter.
What to do right now
If your dog ate chocolate, call your vet or a pet poison service with the wrapper in hand. Do not wait for symptoms, and do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to. The time since ingestion, your dog’s weight and the product type all affect the plan.
Puppies and small dogs reach dangerous doses from amounts that would barely affect a large dog. If you do not know the amount, treat it as a possible exposure and call for advice.
- Note the time your dog ate the chocolate.
- Keep the wrapper or a photo of the label.
- Do not give milk, salt water or home remedies to “flush” it out.
- Watch for vomiting, pacing, panting, tremors or seizures.
About this estimate
The calculator uses average theobromine values for common chocolate types. Recipes vary, especially dark chocolate and cocoa products, so the real dose can be higher. The result is a triage guide, not a diagnosis or a treatment plan.