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My dog ate milk chocolate. Is it dangerous? What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund | Male | neutered | 13 years and 11 months old | 25 lbs

My roommate's dog, Napoleon (Dachshund, 13yrs old, 25lbs) has consumed chocolate (no dark) no more than 4hrs ago. Please advise.

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on December 17th, 2017

The toxicity depends on how much chocolate Napolean actually ate. Figure out how much chocolate Napolean actually ate. I would recommend to call the Pet Poison Control hotline: 855-764-7661. They can calculate the amount that Napoleon ate and accurately tell you if it is toxic or not. Milk chocolate is generally less toxic which is what it sounds like Napoelon got into.
According to the VCA website: Toxic doses of theobromine are reported to be as low as 20 mg/kg, where agitation, hyperactivity and gastrointestinal signs (such as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea - all which may smell like chocolate) can be seen.
Now its just figuring out how much chocolate Napoleon ate. I hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Hi there, and thank you for using Pet Coach. The level of concern depends on how much he ate. I would recommend calling your local emergency clinic or poison control or posting another question with the type of chocolate and how many ounces you expect he consumed. Assuming it was a toxic dose I would highly encourage you to have him evaluated by a veterinarian immediately as this can be life threatening. They will induce vomiting and then give activated charcoal to try to bind what he didn’t throw up. Then likely keep him on IV fluids and close observation for heart rhythm problems and or seizures. If for any reason you are unable to get him to a veterinarian immediately then inducing vomiting at home may be an option.
Here is an article on inducing vomiting:
https://www.petcoach.co/article/4-things-to-consider-before-inducing-vomiting-in-dogs/
Best of luck and I hope he does well. Thank you for using Pet Coach.
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on April 17th, 2017
Chocolate is toxic and the signs you are describing would be compatible with an intoxication from it. An immediate check up and emergency treatment is absolutely required.

Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation (where you can post pictures ) if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on October 16th, 2017
The amount of chocolate your dog has consumed is likely to induce symptoms of poisoning. These include; excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhoea, and restlessness. this toxic dose is not likely to be life threatening but Pebbles might need veterinary care. Symptoms of theobromine poisoning can take up to 6-12 hours to develop so you will need to monitor her closely.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on August 3rd, 2019
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is concerning. However, how likely she is to develop a severe reaction depends on the exact amount of chocolate ingested which varies per package. The amount of chocolate would be in the bag and that information would be quite helpful in order to know how serious this can be. Having said that, it would be indicated to have Jiji evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible to check the amount of chocolate ingested but also to check Jiji for manifestations of chocolate toxicity and treat accordingly. Chocolate toxicity can result in gastrointestinal signs, heart issues and even neurological signs such as seizures. If this just happened, a veterinarian would be able to possibly induce vomiting to try to retrieve some of the chocolate. Good luck!  
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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