My dog ate chocolate. What should I do?

Call your vet, an emergency veterinary clinic or an animal poison service now if you think your dog has eaten chocolate, even if they seem well. A professional can assess the exposure and tell you what to do next; you do not need to finish a calculation before calling. ASPCA: what to do if your pet gets into chocolate.

What to tell the vet

Have these details ready if you can:

• The packaging, product name and ingredient list.
• The amount that may be missing, including an estimate if you are unsure.
• When your dog may have eaten it.
• Your dog's approximate weight and any symptoms.

If you do not know the amount or timing, say so. Contact the clinic while gathering information; do not delay help to get an exact answer. Cornell: first aid for poisonous substances.

Why the type of chocolate matters

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both members of a group called methylxanthines. Both contribute to toxicity. Assessment considers their combined amount, the dog's weight and individual susceptibility. Concentrations vary between chocolate products, so a generic chart cannot establish that a particular exposure is safe. MSD Veterinary Manual: chocolate toxicosis in animals.

Darker chocolate generally poses more risk in a smaller amount. White chocolate contains very little theobromine, but its fat and sugar can still cause problems. Fillings matter too: raisins, macadamia nuts and xylitol in some sugar-free products introduce additional hazards. Tell the vet about the whole product. ASPCA.

Symptoms need attention, but do not wait for them

Signs can take hours to develop. They may include vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness and increased thirst, and can progress to an abnormal heartbeat, tremors or seizures. A dog appearing normal shortly after eating chocolate has not been cleared of risk. MSD Veterinary Manual.

If your dog is acutely unwell or deteriorating, go to an emergency veterinary clinic immediately. Cornell.

Follow the advice for this exposure

Do not induce vomiting or give home treatments unless a veterinarian or animal poison specialist specifically instructs you to. Vomiting is inappropriate in some situations, and the decision depends on the individual case. Cornell.

A professional may recommend monitoring at home or treatment in a clinic. Follow their instructions and contact them again if symptoms develop or change. Cats can also be poisoned by chocolate; contact a vet if your cat has eaten it. ASPCA.