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Highly Toxic
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine. Dogs cannot metabolize these compounds effectively, leading to a buildup that affects the heart, central nervous system, and kidneys.
Toxicity Levels
The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is:
- Cocoa Powder / Baker’s Chocolate: Most Toxic.
- Dark Chocolate: Highly Toxic.
- Milk Chocolate: Toxic in larger amounts.
- White Chocolate: Low toxicity (mostly sugar/fat), but still unhealthy.
Symptoms
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Rapid breathing and panting
- Increased heart rate
- Seizures
Action: If your dog ingests chocolate, call your vet immediately. Have the wrapper ready to tell them the type of chocolate and how much was eaten.