MY DOG ATE WHITE CHOCOLATE 

Did you know that just a half ounce of chocolate can be toxic to your pet? It’s true, and it is more common than you think. All types of chocolate are dangerous for our four-legged pals, even white chocolate. Learn more about the effects white chocolate has on dogs below. 

Is White Chocolate Dangerous For Dogs?

Dark chocolate is very toxic because it contains larger amounts of theobromine which is poisonous to dogs. The rule of thumb is the darker the chocolate, the more deadly because of the theobromine content. Theobromine is a toxic ingredient that dogs cannot digest quickly so it builds up in their systems and leads to significant nervous system stimulation, tremors, seizures, and other issues. So what about white chocolate? White chocolate contains very small amounts of theobromine, but is still dangerous for dogs to consume. The high levels of fat and sugar in white chocolate can make your dog ill. Don’t think your dog is fully in the clear. If they ingest a large amount of white chocolate it is possible that they may be poisoned. 

Symptoms Of Chocolate Poisoning

We know that chocolate is dangerous for your dog, but what about the times you may not know they ate chocolate? You need to be aware of the symptoms that can occur so you can act accordingly. Clinical signs of chocolate poisoning in dogs include:

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

If you see any of these symptoms in your dog, immediately call your vet and Pet Poison Helpline® for professional help. 

What is the Best Treatment for Chocolate Poisoning for Dogs? 

The best treatment for chocolate poisoning in dogs is for your vet to induce vomiting and give activated charcoal to prevent further absorption. Then, your vet can monitor your pet to ensure they don’t become dehydrated or hypoglycemic.  Some vets will choose to administer IV fluids to counteract any dehydration. However, even with aggressive treatment, there is a chance that your pet could become lethargic or have abnormal heart rhythms.

 Final Words

Chocolate is toxic to pets, so you need to keep it out of their reach. If your pet does ingest some chocolate, you should call Pet Poison Helpline® or your veterinarian to determine if the amount ingested will be problematic.  Closely monitor your pet for clinical signs of poisoning. You should also look closely at your house and ensure you’ve removed any chocolate you might have lying around.

If your pet has eaten a significant amount of chocolate, do not wait to see symptoms and immediately call Pet Poison Helpline® at (855) 764-7661 and your veterinarian to get immediate medical help.