Dog Chocolate Toxicity Calculator
If your dog ate chocolate, call a vet first, then use this dog chocolate toxicity calculator. It estimates the theobromine dose in mg per kg and shows where that sits against the amounts that usually cause stomach upset, heart effects, or seizures.
Toxicity estimate
Dog chocolate toxicity calculator
Estimates the theobromine dose your dog swallowed and shows where it sits against the doses that cause symptoms. It does not replace a call to your vet.
How this was worked out
Thresholds used: under 20 mg/kg upset stomach is possible; 20–40 mg/kg vomiting, restlessness and a raised heart rate become likely; 40–60 mg/kg heart rhythm problems; 60 mg/kg and above tremors and seizures. Theobromine clears slowly, so signs can appear 6–12 hours after eating and last for days. Small dogs, puppies, and dogs with heart or kidney disease react at lower doses than this scale suggests.
How the chocolate toxicity estimate works
Theobromine is the compound in chocolate that dogs cannot clear quickly. The calculator multiplies grams eaten by theobromine per gram for that chocolate type, then divides by your dog’s weight in kilograms. White chocolate is about 0.009 mg/g, milk chocolate about 2 mg/g, dark chocolate about 5.5 mg/g, baking chocolate about 16 mg/g, and cocoa powder about 26 mg/g.
Common thresholds: under 20 mg/kg stomach upset is possible; 20–40 mg/kg vomiting and a raised heart rate become likely; 40–60 mg/kg heart rhythm problems; 60 mg/kg and above tremors and seizures. Small dogs, puppies, and dogs with heart or kidney disease can react at lower doses.
What to do right now
If it has been under two hours, a clinic may be able to bring the chocolate back up. Take the wrapper with you. ASPCA Animal Poison Control is (888) 426-4435 and Pet Poison Helpline is (855) 764-7661. Do not make your dog vomit unless a veterinarian tells you to.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if my dog ate chocolate?
Call your vet or a poison helpline first. If it has been under two hours they may want to see your dog immediately. Then use the calculator with the weight, amount, and type of chocolate.
Which chocolate is most dangerous for dogs?
Baking chocolate, cocoa powder, and dark chocolate have far more theobromine than milk chocolate. White chocolate has almost none but can still cause stomach upset from fat and sugar.
When do chocolate poisoning symptoms start?
Signs can appear 6 to 12 hours after eating and last for days because theobromine clears slowly. Do not wait for symptoms if the estimated dose is high.