Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays, as I am a massive fan of heart-shaped items and 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 the AKC, “chocolate is toxic to dogs.” In a 2016 YouTube video, Dr. Vanessa Wood, Veterinary Surgeon, explained why 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 have more of an adverse effect than others. For instance, cocoa powder, unsweetened baker’s chocolate, and semisweet chocolate can lead to the most amount of 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 canine companion ends up accidentally munching on a tiny piece of a brownie, it should not be an issue. The American Kennel Club reported that you should be concerned if your pooch eats “one ounce of milk chocolate per pound of body weight” or more. 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 chocolate or you notice they have the signs of chocolate poisoning, contact your veterinarian's office as soon as possible. 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 your vet, so it is easier to treat your furry friend in their time of need.