How many grams of chocolate are fatal for a dog? - briefly
The lethal dose of chocolate for dogs is approximately 100-150 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. This means that even a small amount can be harmful, especially for smaller breeds.
How many grams of chocolate are fatal for a dog? - in detail
The lethal dose of chocolate for a dog can vary depending on several factors, including the size and weight of the dog, as well as the type and amount of chocolate consumed. However, it is generally accepted that dark chocolate and baking chocolate are more toxic than milk or white chocolate due to their higher concentration of theobromine and caffeine.
Theobromine, a compound found in chocolate, is particularly harmful to dogs because they metabolize it much slower than humans. The lethal dose of theobromine for dogs is approximately 100-200 mg/kg. To put this into perspective, dark chocolate contains about 85 mg of theobromine per ounce (28 grams), while milk chocolate has around 63 mg per ounce.
Using these figures, we can estimate the lethal dose for different sizes of dogs:
- For a small dog weighing 10 kg (22 lbs), ingesting approximately 450-900 grams of dark chocolate or 700-1400 grams of milk chocolate could be fatal.
- For a medium-sized dog weighing 20 kg (44 lbs), the lethal dose would be around 900-1800 grams of dark chocolate or 1400-2800 grams of milk chocolate.
- For a large dog weighing 30 kg (66 lbs), the lethal dose could be approximately 1350-2700 grams of dark chocolate or 2100-4200 grams of milk chocolate.
It is essential to note that these are rough estimates, and individual sensitivities may vary. Additionally, even if the amount consumed does not reach the lethal dose, it can still cause significant health issues, including restlessness, heart problems, muscle tremors, internal bleeding, and in severe cases, death.
If you suspect your dog has ingested chocolate, it is crucial to contact your veterinarian immediately for advice tailored to your pet's specific circumstances. Prompt treatment can often prevent serious complications and save your dog's life.