So Fido has eaten chocolate. You're either unsure of the amount they consumed, or you know they ate a lot of it. What should a responsible pet parent do? Well, monitor your pooch's symptoms for one. Also, watch the video below and then read some important advice; it's important to get your pup the proper care they need and fast!

Chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine (a bit like caffeine) that is poisonous to dogs. The amount of theobromide differs in the different types of chocolate (dark chocolate has the most in it).

What does theobromine do and what symptoms will I see?

Theobromide mainly affects the heart, central nervous system and kidneys. Symptoms will occur from 4-24 hours after your dog has eaten chocolate.

If your dog has eaten chocolate, you may see:

• Vomiting (may include blood)
• Diarrhea
• Restlessness and hyperactivity
• Rapid breathing
• Muscle tension, incoordination
• Increased heart rate
• Seizures

Signs of poisoning will be seen at lower levels of ingestion. For example, a 30kg dog that has eaten 200g milk chocolate is likely to have a digestive upset (vomiting and diarrhoea).

What should I do if my dog has eaten chocolate?

Treatment may be needed if your dog eats any chocolate so please contact your vet as soon as possible.

Treatment

There is no antidote to theobromine. In most cases your vet will make your dog vomit.

If your pup has already encountered chocolate around a holiday like Easter or Christmas, then you know how scary having your fur child eating something so bad for them can be. Next time exercise caution to keep all chocolate away from your dog and continue to read pertinent advice from sites like Vets Now.