Finding a torn wrapper and a guilty-looking dog is frightening. The good news is that chocolate poisoning is very treatable, especially when you act quickly. Here is what to do, in order.
1. Work out what was eaten
Gather the wrapper and try to answer three questions: what kind of chocolate was it, how much is missing, and roughly when was it eaten? Dark and baking chocolate contain far more theobromine than milk chocolate, and white chocolate contains almost none.
Put the amount into our chocolate toxicity calculator while you phone your vet — it gives you the dose in mg per kg, which is what the vet will ask for.
2. Call your vet or a poison helpline
Do this even if your dog seems perfectly well. Signs often take 6–12 hours to appear, and treatment is most effective before then. If your vet is closed, call an emergency clinic or a pet poison helpline.
3. Do not make your dog sick at home
Salt water, mustard and fingers down the throat are dangerous and do not work reliably. Hydrogen peroxide can cause stomach ulcers. If vomiting is needed, your vet will give an injection that works within minutes.
What the vet will do
- Induce vomiting if the chocolate was eaten within the last couple of hours.
- Give activated charcoal to reduce absorption.
- Put your dog on a drip and monitor the heart for larger doses.
- Keep your dog in overnight if signs are moderate or severe.
Signs to watch for at home
For a low dose, your vet may ask you to monitor at home. Watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, panting, drinking more and a racing heart. Call back straight away if you see tremors or your dog seems agitated.
Preventing it next time
Most chocolate poisonings happen around holidays — Easter eggs, advent calendars and Christmas stockings. Keep chocolate in closed cupboards, remind visitors and children, and never leave gifts wrapped under the tree.
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