1. What is Chocolate Toxicity?

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs and other pets. The severity depends on the type/amount of chocolate consumed and the animal's weight. This calculator estimates the theobromine dose in mg/kg body weight.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• Chocolate Grams — Amount of chocolate consumed in grams
• Theobromine Content — mg of theobromine per gram of chocolate (varies by type)
• Body Weight — Animal's weight in kilograms

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

3. Clinical Significance

Risk Levels:

• <20 mg/kg: Mild (usually no symptoms)
• 20-40 mg/kg: Moderate (vomiting/diarrhea)
• 40-60 mg/kg: Severe (cardiac effects possible)
• >60 mg/kg: Potentially lethal (seizures, death possible)

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Weigh chocolate accurately, select appropriate chocolate type (or enter custom theobromine content), and enter accurate animal weight. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Which animals are affected by chocolate toxicity?
A: Primarily dogs, but also cats, birds, and rodents. Dogs are most commonly affected due to their tendency to eat large amounts.

Q2: How quickly do symptoms appear?
A: Typically within 6-12 hours but can take up to 24 hours. Early signs include vomiting, diarrhea, and restlessness.

Q3: What should I do if my pet ate chocolate?
A: Contact your veterinarian immediately, even if the calculated dose seems low. Individual sensitivity varies.

Q4: Does this calculator account for caffeine?
A: No, it only calculates theobromine. Caffeine contributes to toxicity but is present in smaller amounts.

Q5: How accurate are the default theobromine values?
A: They are averages. Actual content varies by brand and cocoa percentage. When in doubt, use a higher value.