Assess the situation
Fill in what you know. Estimates are fine, exact numbers are better.
Emergency vet or poison control: which do I call?
Both resources exist for a reason, and in most cases you should use both. Here is how to think about the difference.
Go straight to an emergency vet if…
- Your dog is already vomiting repeatedly, has a racing heartbeat, tremors, or seizures
- It has been more than 2 hours since ingestion, so inducing vomiting at home is no longer reliable
- Your dog has heart disease, is a puppy, senior, or small toy breed
- The chocolate was baking chocolate, dark chocolate, or cocoa powder in any meaningful amount
- A poison control consultation or your vet has told you to bring the dog in
Call poison control first if…
- Your dog just ate the chocolate minutes ago and seems otherwise normal
- You need help deciding whether the amount and type is dangerous for your dog's specific weight
- You want a case number and treatment plan you can hand directly to your regular or emergency vet
- You are unsure whether to induce vomiting at home, which should only be done under professional guidance
How theobromine toxicosis develops
Theobromine and caffeine, the two stimulant compounds in chocolate, are metabolized far more slowly by dogs than by humans, which is why even a moderate dose can cause a prolonged reaction.
Early signs typically begin
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
- Restlessness or hyperactivity
- Panting
Cardiac and neurological signs
- Elevated or abnormal heart rate at doses around 40–50 mg/kg
- Tremors and seizures possible at doses of 60 mg/kg or higher
- Elevated body temperature
- Muscle rigidity
Duration in severe cases
- Clinical signs can persist up to 72 hours after ingestion due to slow theobromine metabolism in dogs
- Ongoing monitoring is typically required through this window in significant ingestions
Published case data behind these estimates
These figures come from veterinary toxicology literature. They describe documented clinical thresholds, not a line between "safe" and "dangerous."
| Theobromine dose | Documented clinical effect |
|---|---|
| ≈ 20 mg/kg body weight | Mild clinical signs: vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst |
| ≈ 40–50 mg/kg body weight | Cardiotoxic effects: abnormal heart rhythm, elevated heart rate |
| ≥ 60 mg/kg body weight | Seizures |
| 100–200 mg/kg body weight | Reported oral LD50 (lethal dose in 50% of cases) |
| Chocolate type | Theobromine per ounce (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Baking / unsweetened chocolate | ≈ 376–450 mg |
| Dark chocolate (60–85% cocoa) | ≈ 130–230 mg |
| Milk chocolate | ≈ 44–60 mg |
| White chocolate | Negligible (trace amounts) |
Theobromine content varies by brand and cocoa percentage. When in doubt about which category a product falls into, choose the higher-risk category for a more conservative estimate.
Theobromine in common chocolate products
| Product | Theobromine (approx.) | Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Unsweetened baking chocolate | 376 mg | 1 oz square |
| Dark chocolate, 70 to 85% cocoa | 228 mg | 1 oz |
| Dark chocolate, 60 to 69% cocoa | 179 mg | 1 oz |
| Dark chocolate, 45 to 59% cocoa | 140 mg | 1 oz |
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips | 138 mg | 1 oz handful |
| Cocoa powder | 142 mg | 1 tablespoon |
| Hot cocoa | 170 mg | 1 cup |
| Dark chocolate coated coffee beans | 147 mg (plus caffeine) | 1 oz (about 28 beans) |
| Chocolate wafer cookie | 21 mg | 1 wafer |
Source: MyFoodData, based on USDA nutrition data. Figures vary by brand and source; the calculator uses a higher, more cautious figure for baking chocolate. Coffee-coated products also contain caffeine, which adds to the risk.