Keep Your Dog Safe from Chocolate This Halloween — What Every Owner Should Know

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, as I am a massive fan of all things spooky and candy, specifically chocolate. However, I have to be super careful with this type of tasty treat because I have a dog who loves to get into absolutely everything. And I know that I’m not alone in this. 

Now, even if you take every precaution necessary, there’s still a chance that your furry friend may end up ingesting chocolate. 

Here’s what you need to know if that happens. 

According to AKC, “chocolate is toxic to dogs.” In a 2016 YouTube video, Dr. Vanessa Wood, a Veterinary Surgeon, explained that this treat can be potentially life-threatening for our canine companions. 

“Chocolate contains a product called theobromine which acts like caffeine and is poisonous and can be fatal,” stated the vet.  

It is also worth noting that different types of chocolate are more dangerous than others. For instance, cocoa powder, unsweetened baker’s chocolate, and semisweet chocolate can lead to the most medical issues for your furry friend. While dark chocolate and milk chocolate can still pose a risk, they are not as toxic to dogs. 

If your dog accidentally eats a tiny piece of a brownie, it shouldn’t be an issue. The American Kennel Club reported that you should be concerned if your pooch eats more than “one ounce of milk chocolate per pound of body weight.” For reference, a Hershey's Kiss is 0.16 ounces.

About six to 12 hours after a dog has consumed chocolate, they will exhibit chocolate poisoning symptoms, such as “vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, increased urination, tremors, elevated or abnormal heart rate, seizures, or collapse and death.”

If you see your dog eating a significant amount of chocolate or you notice they have the signs of chocolate poisoning, contact your veterinarian's office immediately. Dr. Wood noted that you should remain calm and “don’t make your pet sick,” as “this could make things worse.”

Once your pet is checked in, they will likely be administered activated charcoal and be forced to vomit. Dr. Wood also recommended that pup parents “try to keep hold of any packaging or wrapper” to show to the vet, so it is easier to treat your furry friend in their time of need.