I am in school studying to be Veterinary Technician. Recently in class, we learned some very important information regarding chocolate toxicity in dogs. I thought I'd share. You may find the info useful.
The ingredient in chocolate that makes it truly toxic to dogs is a chemical called theobromine. Caffeine is also toxic, but to a lesser extent. They act on the nervous system producing the following:
--increased breath rate
--increased heart rate
--excitability and/or aggression
--and, in high enough doses, possibly seizures or death.
The amount of theobromine that kills 50% of dogs that ingest it is 250mg/kg. (2.2lb=1kg)
For practical purposes, keep in mind the following:
--The toxic dose of milk chocolate is approx. 1oz of chocolate per 1lb of dog
--The toxic dose of dark chocolate is approx. 1/2 oz. of chocolate per 1lb of dog
--The toxic dose of baking chocolate is approx. 1/10 oz. to 1/4 oz of chocolate per 1lb of dog
That means that 40oz of milk chocolate (2.5 lbs), 20oz of dark chocolate (1.25 lbs), and 4-10oz of baking chocolate (1/4-3/4 lbs.) will kill a 40 lb. dog. That is, of course, if the chocolate is allowed to stay in the dog's system. It generally takes 3-4 hrs. for solids to digest and fully enter a dog's system. If you don't know how long it's been since your dog ate the chocolate, TAKE IT TO THE VET OR EMERGENCY CLINIC IMMEDIATELY!!! If you know that your dog only recently ate chocolate, it may be worth trying to make the dog vomit yourself, to rid the system of toxins. One of the best ways to get a dog to vomit, and one that is very often used in vet practices, is administering Hydrogen Peroxide. (It says "Not For Oral Use" on the bottle, but it really is okay for this purpose.) Give your dog enough peroxide by mouth to make it vomit. A good dose to start with is 1Tbsp/10lbs of dog. (4 Tbsp.=1/4 cup) It may take up to 15 minutes for the peroxide to work. If your dog has not vomited in 15 minutes, give it some more. Causing your dog to vomit should get it out of immediate danger, but you should still call your vet promptly for any further instructions.
Hopefully, you'll never have to use this info, but here it is in case you ever need it.
Also, here are the Animal Emergency Clinics in the St. Louis area (where I'm from). They prefer if you call first so they can prepare for your pet's arrival, but it's not an absolute necessity. They see all kinds of pets, not just dogs. It's just like a human emergency room. If you're not from the St. Louis area, search the internet or ask your vet about emergency clinics in your area.
--NORTH: 12501 Natural Bridge Rd., Bridgeton, MO 63044-2024
Phone: 314-739-1500
HOURS: Mon-Thurs 6 pm-8 am; Fri 6 pm - Mon 8 am
--SOUTH: 9937 Big Bend Blvd., St Louis, MO 63122-6503
Phone: 314-822-7600
OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK, 365 DAYS A YEAR
--ST. CHARLES CO.: 334 Fort Zumwalt Square, O' Fallon, MO 63366
Phone: 636-240-5496
HOURS: Mon-Thurs 6 pm-8 am; Fri 6 pm - Mon 8 am
--JEFFERSON COUNTY: 7095 Metropolitan Blvd.,Suite H, Barnhart,MO
Phone: 636-464-2846
HOURS: Mon-Thurs 6 pm-8 am; Fri 6 pm - Mon 8 am
