Paul Mann Fetch! Pet Care

Getting a piece of chocolate might delight your dog, but the sweet treat can be highly dangerous. In fact, it can be fatal. Even if you don't intentionally feed chocolate to your pooch, it's always possible it will find a piece on the floor. So it's important to be diligent about not dropping chocolate, and also aware of the risks, symptoms and treatments needed if this ever happens.
Reason of toxicity
An ingredient in chocolate, theobromine, is toxic to dogs. Cocoa beans naturally contain theobromine, so it is found in all chocolate. Another dangerous ingredient to dogs that is naturally in chocolate is caffeine.
Size, Age and Health
Size, age and health play a big role on how dangerous the chocolate consumed will be to the dog. According to talktothevet.com, "The good news is that it takes, on average, a fairly large amount of theobromine (100-150 mg/kg) to cause a toxic reaction. Although there are variables to consider like the individual sensitivity, animal size and chocolate concentration."
Dogs vs. Cats
According to veterinarian Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, "Because of their indiscriminate eating habits, dogs are far more commonly affected than cats."
First Symptoms
According to Gwaltney-Brant, "Clinical signs usually occur within six to12 hours of ingestion. Three initial signs include polydypsia, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating and restlessness."
Types of Chocolate
According to petplace.com, different types of chocolate contain different amounts of theobromine. White chocolate contains the least, and baking chocolate (ground cocoa beans) contains the most.
Death
Dangerous symptoms may follow the first symptoms, so it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately. These symptoms include: seizures, arrhythmia, hyperthermia, and coma. Respiratory failure and cardiac arrhythmia are the main reasons why eating chocolate can be fatal to dogs.
Treatment
Induced vomiting, and controlled fluid consumption are most likely the treatments a veterinarian will employ for a dog suffering from chocolate toxicity. The dog will need to be under heart monitoring and constant supervision, as well.