Pet Toxin Reference
Chocolate
Severe
Act now: Remove access immediately. Save the package, label, or plant photo. Call your veterinarian or a poison service right away; do not wait for symptoms. Go to an emergency clinic immediately if any signs are present or if a large/known exposure occurred.
Quick Facts
Common Sources
Chocolate bars, brownies, cookies, cocoa powder, baking chips, cocoa mulch, chocolate-covered nuts
Highest Risk
Cocoa powder and baking chocolate (highest methylxanthine concentration)
Category
Food
Early Signs
Vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, increased thirst, panting
Emergency Signs
Fast heart rate, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, collapse
Call Your Vet
Call as soon as exposure is suspected, even if your pet seems normal.
Triage & Next Steps
Why this is dangerous
Chocolate can overstimulate the nervous system and heart. Dark chocolate, baking chocolate, and cocoa powder are much more dangerous than milk chocolate.
Go to ER immediately if
Go now for collapse, repeated vomiting, tremors, seizures, trouble breathing, marked weakness, severe drooling, pale gums, trouble urinating, or any rapidly worsening signs.
What not to do
Do not induce vomiting, give milk/oil/bread, or try home remedies unless a veterinarian specifically tells you to.
Prevention
Keep human foods out of reach, use closed trash bins, warn guests and children, and check ingredient labels before sharing any treat.