Hi there,
Signs of chocolate toxicity may appear anywhere from 6 to 12 hours after your dog has consumed chocolate. Signs of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhoea, increased thirst, panting, restlessness, excessive urination, and a fast heart rate. In severe cases, you may see muscle tremors, seizures, and heart failure.
Toxicity depends on how much and what type of chocolate was eaten, as well as the size of your dog. Small dogs are more at risk, particularly if they've eaten dark chocolate, which contains more theobromine (the toxic chemical).
If your dog has eaten a small piece of chocolate, there's probably no need to worry, but if you are concerned, it's best to call your vet for advice. And if your dog has eaten several pieces of chocolate, don't hesitate to bring them straight to the nearest vet clinic. Your vet will most likely make your dog throw up and give them charcoal to prevent theobromine from being absorbed in the body.
To learn more about what to do if your dog has eaten chocolate, please check out our article here.
Hope your pup is ok!
Kind regards,
Justine Seraphin, BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare