Family & Pets
The truth about pets and chocolate
Bondi Vet’s much loved veterinarian, Dr Chris Brown reveals the truth about pets and chocolate, and it’s not as bitter as you might think.
There’s no doubt the message that chocolate can be toxic to pets has sunk in. But the fear of your fur covered buddy consuming your favourite block is now so extreme that many people wrongly assume that eating just one small piece can be fatal.
So before you go pieces over chocolate, here are the facts:
- Chocolate contains a compound called ‘theobromine’. It’s similar to caffeine. And is what gives you that ‘buzz’ when you eat lots of dark chocolate.
- Dogs (and cats) don’t handle that ‘buzz’ well. Too much of it and their nervous system goes a little haywire causing a fast heart rate, restlessness and in extreme cases, seizures.
- While chocolate should NEVER EVER be given as a treat, one piece will not kill them. In fact, the amount of chocolate that your pet needs to down to experience problems is surprisingly high – for a 35kg dog (Labrador size), it’s 1.4kg of milk chocolate or 7 regular blocks, for a 20kg dog (Staffy size), it’s 850g of milk chocolate or 4 regular blocks and for a 5kg dog (Poodle size), it’s 250g of milk chocolate or 1 ¼ regular blocks.
- Interestingly, the fat, sugar or even the foil will often make them sick before the chocolate does.
- Dark chocolate is more dangerous however but less commonly eaten because of its bitterness. Its toxic dose is roughly 1/3 that of milk chocolate.
- White chocolate is not toxic.
If you do think your pet has consumed worrying amounts of chocolate, please contact your vet
For more tips on your pets, follow Dr Chris Brown on Facebook here.
Related links:
The secret to dealing with pet allergies
6 reasons your dog’s health is just as important as your own