IS WHITE CHOCOLATE SAFE FOR DOGS? 

Many dog owners ask if white chocolate is safe for dogs. Dog owners should be aware that all types of chocolate are dangerous for their precious pets, including white chocolate. The darker the chocolate, the higher health risk it poses to your furry pet due to the higher levels of theobromine found in darker chocolates. Theobromine can quickly accumulate in your dog’s system. White chocolate is lighter than dark chocolate but still contains theobromine, as well as high levels of sugar and fat. Excess sugar and fat can promote pancreatitis, or a swollen pancreas, in dogs. 

Clinical Signs of White Chocolate Poisoning 

The symptoms of chocolate poisoning typically start to show within 6-12 hours in dogs. The amount and type of chocolate consumed by your dog can determine the symptoms that your dog may experience, which may include: 

  • Tremors in the muscles and limbs 
  • Seizures 
  • Irregular heartbeats 
  • Agitation/restlessness 
  • Increased heart rate 

It’s best to keep all types of chocolate and candy away from pets. Lock all sweets in a container that your pet cannot access. Talk with your family members so everyone knows not to feed your pet any sweets. 

Treatment for White Chocolate Poisoning 

Take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as you suspect they ate white chocolate. In most cases, there is no exact medication to give your dog when it eats chocolate. Your vet may administer IV fluids to address hydration and may make your dog vomit. Whether it’s white or dark, don’t feed your dog any chocolate as it’s harmful to them and can leave them with health issues. There are a lot of other things that dogs like that you can feed them without having to worry about getting your dog sick. Call Pet Poison Helpline®, at (855) 764-7661 with any questions about white chocolate poisoning.