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My dog ate chocolate while I'm away. Should I rush home to check?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | unspayed | 60 lbs

My mother in law is watching our dog while we are at the beach, about 2 hours away. She just called and informed us that our dog ate chocolate about 5 hours ago and she is acting normal now. I have read online symptoms can take 6-12 hours to start taking place. She does not know how much or what kind of chocolate she ate. She is a 3 year old German shepherd with no medical problems. How worried should we be and do you think we should go home to keep an eye on her?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on June 21st, 2020

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Layla. You are right that it can take a while for symptoms to occur, sometimes up to 24 hours after ingestion. How worried you should be depends on the amount of chocolate she ate and the type of chocolate. If she ate dark chocolate, your MIL should rush her into a vet immediately as it doesn’t take a lot to cause toxic symptoms. Milk chocolate will require more to cause symptoms. If she ate milk chocolate, I wouldn’t rush home just yet. Have your MIL watch her for vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and muscle tremors. If she sees any of those signs, the dog will need to see a vet immediately. I hope this helps!
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Hello and thank you for your questions.

    I hate to hear this happened. I'm sure this adds some stress to your vacation! Yes, it is generally several hours before symptoms are noted.

    Chocolate toxicity is dose dependent. Different types of chocolate have different amounts of the toxic substance.

    Here is excellent information:
    https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/chocolate-poisoning-in-dogs

    If there is a potential that Layla ate enough to be toxic, I recommend to either have her examined right away or call Pet Poison Hotline to confirm a potential toxicity.

    https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/

    I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 23rd, 2017

    Oh no, that was naughty of Luna to eat the brownie! It can take up to 24 hours after ingestion to see signs of chocolate toxicity, but you may not have to worry about it depending on the size of the brownie and the amount of chocolate in it. If it was a small brownie made with milk chocolate, then the risk of toxicity would be very low or non-existent in a dog Luna's size. Monitor her for the next 24 hours for signs of chocolate toxicity which include vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, panting or restlessness, racing heart rate, or increased urination. If you see any of those signs, I would take Luna into the vet. I hope this helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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