1. What is Theobromine Toxicity in Dogs?

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the theobromine dose formula:

Where:

• Amount — Cocoa powder consumed in grams (g)
• 12.6 — Theobromine content in mg per gram of cocoa powder
• Body Weight — Dog's weight in kilograms (kg)

Explanation: This calculation helps determine the concentration of theobromine per kilogram of body weight, which is crucial for assessing toxicity risk.

3. Importance of Theobromine Calculation

Details: Accurate theobromine dose calculation is essential for assessing poisoning risk in dogs. Doses above 20 mg/kg may cause mild symptoms, while doses above 40 mg/kg can be severe and require veterinary attention.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the amount of cocoa powder consumed in grams and the dog's body weight in kilograms. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the symptoms of theobromine poisoning?
A: Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, increased heart rate, tremors, and in severe cases, seizures or death.

Q2: What is the toxic dose of theobromine for dogs?
A: Mild symptoms may appear at 20 mg/kg, moderate at 40 mg/kg, and severe toxicity at doses above 60 mg/kg.

Q3: How quickly should I seek veterinary care?
A: Immediate veterinary attention is recommended if your dog has consumed cocoa products, especially if the calculated dose exceeds 20 mg/kg.

Q4: Does the type of chocolate matter?
A: Yes, cocoa powder has the highest concentration of theobromine (12.6 mg/g), followed by dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate.

Q5: How is theobromine poisoning treated?
A: Treatment may include inducing vomiting, activated charcoal administration, IV fluids, and medications to control symptoms.