Chocolate Toxicity Calculator for Dogs
Enter your dog’s weight, the type of chocolate, and how much they ate. We’ll estimate the theobromine dose and tell you what to do next.
How theobromine toxicity works
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine — stimulants that dogs metabolize much slower than humans. Their bodies can’t clear it fast enough, so it builds up and affects the heart, nervous system, and kidneys.
Toxicity depends on two things: how much theobromine is in the chocolate (much higher in dark and baker’s) and how big your dog is. A little dark chocolate can hit a small dog harder than a lot of milk chocolate hits a big dog.
Chocolate type comparison
Theobromine content per ounce, from least to most toxic:
Symptoms timeline
Signs usually develop 2–12 hours after ingestion. Watch closely, and act early — don’t wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
0–6 hours
Early signs
Restlessness, panting, thirst, vomiting, diarrhea. Your dog may seem unusually hyper.
Monitor
6–12 hours
Cardiac + neuro
Rapid heart rate, tremors, muscle rigidity, elevated blood pressure begin.
Alert
12–24 hours
Critical window
Seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, collapse. This is when severe cases become life-threatening.
Emergency
24–72 hours
Long half-life
Theobromine has a 17.5-hour half-life — effects can linger for days as the body clears it.
Ongoing
What to do if you think your dog ate chocolate
Estimate what they ate
Type, amount, and your dog’s weight. Use this calculator to get a starting risk level.
Call us right away
(310) 776-5544 during hours. After hours, contact an emergency vet or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.
Don’t induce vomiting
Not without vet guidance. Hydrogen peroxide can cause serious esophageal burns.
Bring the wrapper
If you have it — it helps us confirm exactly what and how much.
See our full pet poison reference
Chocolate is just one of many household toxins. Our full guide covers foods, plants, medications, and chemicals.