Can dogs eat chocolate?
Toxic
No. Chocolate is toxic to dogs. The darker the chocolate, the greater the risk. If your dog has eaten some, call your vet or a poison helpline now.
Also searched as: cocoa, cacao, dark chocolate, milk chocolate
If your dog ate chocolate
Call your vet or an animal poison helpline now, even if your dog seems well. Do not wait for symptoms.
Signs usually appear within two to four hours but can take up to 12 hours, so contact your vet even if your dog seems well.
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We do not list a poison helpline for your country yet. Contact your own vet or the nearest emergency vet straight away.
Symptoms to watch for
- Restlessness, agitation or hyperactivity
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Drinking and urinating more than usual
- Tummy pain
- Fast breathing or panting
- Shaking, trembling or tremors
- High temperature
- Fast heart rate
- Seizures
Why it is dangerous
Chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs struggle to break down. How serious it is depends on how much was eaten, your dog's size and the type of chocolate. Chocolate sweets and baked goods can also contain other harmful ingredients such as macadamia nuts, raisins or xylitol.
Sources
-
PDSA: Chocolate poisoning
checked 8 October 2026
Dogs should never be given chocolate.
the darker the chocolate, the more cocoa solids/theobromine it will contain and the more toxic it's likely to be.
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Pet Poison Helpline: Chocolate
checked 8 October 2026
The severity of the poisoning depends upon the amount and type of chocolate ingested and the size and health status of the patient.
-
Merck Veterinary Manual: Chocolate toxicosis in animals
checked 8 October 2026
Clinical effects include vomiting, restlessness, agitation, hyperthermia, tachycardia, and, in severe cases, seizures.
Last reviewed . How we check foods
This is general information, not veterinary advice. If your dog ate something concerning, contact your vet or a poison helpline immediately.