1. What is Theobromine Toxicity?

Theobromine is a stimulant found in chocolate that is toxic to dogs. Dogs metabolize theobromine much more slowly than humans, leading to potential poisoning. The toxicity threshold is generally considered to be above 20 mg per kg of body weight.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

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

3. Toxicity Levels and Symptoms

Low Risk (<10 mg/kg): Usually safe, mild symptoms if any
Mild Risk (10-15 mg/kg): Vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness
Moderate Risk (15-20 mg/kg): Increased heart rate, tremors, hyperactivity
Toxic (>20 mg/kg): Seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, potentially fatal

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the amount of chocolate consumed in grams, select the chocolate type (or enter custom theobromine content), and the dog's weight in kilograms. The calculator will determine the theobromine dose and assess toxicity risk.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What types of chocolate are most dangerous?
A: Dark chocolate and baker's chocolate contain the highest levels of theobromine and are most dangerous.

Q2: How quickly do symptoms appear?
A: Symptoms typically appear within 6-12 hours after ingestion and can last up to 72 hours.

Q3: What should I do if my dog eats chocolate?
A: Contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

Q4: Can small amounts of chocolate be safe?
A: While small amounts may not cause toxicity, it's best to avoid giving chocolate to dogs entirely.

Q5: Are some dogs more susceptible?
A: Yes, puppies, elderly dogs, and dogs with heart conditions are more vulnerable to theobromine toxicity.