1. What is Theobromine Toxicity in Dogs?

Theobromine is a compound found in chocolate that is toxic to dogs. Dogs metabolize theobromine much more slowly than humans, making them susceptible to poisoning from even small amounts of chocolate.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Theobromine Dose formula:

Where:

• Chocolate Amount — Weight of chocolate consumed in grams
• Theobromine Content — Theobromine concentration in mg per gram of chocolate
• Body Weight — Dog's weight in kilograms

Explanation: This calculation determines the dose of theobromine per kilogram of body weight, which helps assess the risk level for a dog.

3. Importance of Theobromine Dose Calculation

Details: Accurate theobromine dose calculation is crucial for assessing toxicity risk and determining if veterinary intervention is needed. Different chocolate types have varying theobromine concentrations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the amount of chocolate consumed in grams, theobromine content in mg/g (see reference values below), and the dog's weight in kilograms. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical theobromine concentrations in different chocolates?
A: Milk chocolate: ~2 mg/g, Dark chocolate: ~5 mg/g, Baking chocolate: ~15 mg/g, Cocoa powder: ~20 mg/g.

Q2: At what dose does theobromine become toxic to dogs?
A: Mild symptoms may appear at 20 mg/kg, more serious symptoms at 40-50 mg/kg, and seizures/cardiac effects at >60 mg/kg.

Q3: What are symptoms of theobromine poisoning?
A: Vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, increased heart rate, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases, death.

Q4: How soon after ingestion do symptoms appear?
A: Symptoms typically appear within 6-12 hours after ingestion but can be delayed up to 24 hours.

Q5: What should I do if my dog eats chocolate?
A: Contact your veterinarian immediately with the calculated dose. They may recommend inducing vomiting or other treatments based on the dose and timing.