1. What is Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs?

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs. The severity of poisoning depends on the amount and type of chocolate consumed, and the dog's weight. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate contain higher levels of theobromine.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the toxicity formula:

Where:

• \( Chocolate\ Grams \) — Amount of chocolate consumed in grams
• \( Theobromine\ mg/g \) — Theobromine content in milligrams per gram of chocolate
• \( Dog\ Weight\ kg \) — Dog's weight in kilograms

Explanation: The formula calculates the dose of theobromine per kilogram of body weight, which determines the toxicity level.

3. Toxicity Risk Levels

Mild toxicity: 20 mg/kg - May cause vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness
Moderate toxicity: 40 mg/kg - May cause tachycardia, hypertension, hyperthermia
Severe toxicity: 60 mg/kg - May cause seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, death

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the amount of chocolate consumed in grams, theobromine content in mg/g (see reference values below), and the dog's weight in kilograms. All values must be positive numbers.

Common chocolate types and their theobromine content:
- Milk chocolate: ~2.4 mg/g
- Dark chocolate: ~5.5 mg/g
- Baking chocolate: ~16 mg/g
- Cocoa powder: ~26 mg/g

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How quickly do symptoms appear?
A: Symptoms typically appear within 6-12 hours after ingestion but can take up to 24 hours.

Q2: What should I do if my dog ate chocolate?
A: Contact your veterinarian or pet poison control immediately, even if symptoms aren't present yet.

Q3: Is white chocolate dangerous?
A: White chocolate contains very little theobromine (0.25 mg/g) but can still cause gastrointestinal upset due to high fat content.

Q4: How is chocolate toxicity treated?
A: Treatment may include inducing vomiting, activated charcoal, IV fluids, and medications to control symptoms.

Q5: Are some dogs more sensitive than others?
A: Yes, older dogs and those with heart conditions may be more sensitive to the effects of theobromine.