How much baker's chocolate is dangerous?
A single 1 oz square can cause serious heart effects in a 20 lb dog. Because it tastes bitter, dogs usually eat it when it’s mixed into brownies or fudge, so check the recipe. Any amount of baker’s chocolate eaten by a small or medium dog deserves an immediate call to the vet.
| Dog weight | Mild signs (20 mg/kg) | Heart effects (40 mg/kg) | Seizures (60 mg/kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 lb | 3 g | 6 g | 9 g |
| 10 lb | 6 g | 12 g | 18 g |
| 20 lb | 12 g | 23 g | 1.2 oz |
| 40 lb | 23 g | 1.7 oz | 2.5 oz |
| 60 lb | 1.2 oz | 2.5 oz | 3.7 oz |
| 80 lb | 1.7 oz | 3.3 oz | 5.0 oz |
What to do if your dog ate baker's chocolate
Note the time and keep the wrapper. Then call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435. If it was eaten within the last 2 hours and the dose is significant, your vet will likely give a medicine that makes your dog vomit. That is far safer than trying it at home. Dogs that already have symptoms may need IV fluids, heart monitoring and medication to control tremors.
Frequently asked questions
How much baker's chocolate is toxic to a dog?
Mild signs can start at about 20 mg/kg of methylxanthines. For baker's chocolate that is about 12 g for a 20 lb dog and 1.2 oz for a 60 lb dog.
What are the symptoms of chocolate poisoning?
Vomiting, diarrhea, thirst, restlessness, panting, a racing heart, tremors and in severe cases seizures. They usually begin 6 to 12 hours after eating.