Theobromine Dose Equation:
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Theobromine is a compound found in chocolate that is toxic to dogs. Dogs metabolize theobromine much slower than humans, making them susceptible to chocolate poisoning. The severity depends on the type of chocolate, amount consumed, and the dog's size.
The calculator uses the Theobromine Dose equation:
Where:
Explanation: This calculation helps determine the concentration of theobromine per kilogram of body weight, which is crucial for assessing toxicity risk.
Details: Accurate theobromine dose calculation is essential for determining the severity of chocolate ingestion and deciding whether emergency veterinary care is needed. Different toxicity levels require different treatment approaches.
Tips: Enter the amount of chocolate consumed in grams, theobromine content in mg/g (refer to chocolate type guidelines), and the dog's body weight in kilograms. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What are the common theobromine levels in different chocolates?
A: Dark chocolate has the highest levels (5.5-16 mg/g), milk chocolate has moderate levels (1.5-2.2 mg/g), and white chocolate has negligible amounts.
Q2: At what dose does theobromine become toxic?
A: Mild symptoms may appear at 20 mg/kg, moderate symptoms at 40-50 mg/kg, and severe toxicity above 60 mg/kg. Doses above 100-200 mg/kg can be fatal.
Q3: What are the symptoms of theobromine poisoning?
A: Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, increased heart rate, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases, cardiac failure.
Q4: How soon after ingestion should I seek veterinary help?
A: Contact a veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, even if symptoms aren't yet present. Early intervention is crucial.
Q5: Can this calculator be used for other pets?
A: While theobromine affects many animals, this calculator is specifically designed for dogs. Other animals may have different tolerance levels.