1. What is Theobromine Toxicity?

Theobromine is a stimulant found in chocolate that can be toxic to dogs. Dogs metabolize theobromine much slower than humans, making them susceptible to chocolate poisoning even from small amounts.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Theobromine Dose equation:

Where:

• Chocolate Amount — Weight of chocolate consumed (grams)
• Theobromine Content — Theobromine concentration in chocolate type (mg/g)
• Body Weight — Dog's body weight (kilograms)

Explanation: This calculation determines the dose of theobromine per kilogram of body weight, which helps assess potential toxicity risk.

3. Importance of Theobromine Monitoring

Details: Monitoring theobromine intake is crucial for dog safety. Doses above 20 mg/kg can cause mild symptoms, while doses above 40 mg/kg may cause severe toxicity and require veterinary attention.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: What are the symptoms of theobromine poisoning?
A: Vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, increased heart rate, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases, death.

Q3: When should I contact a veterinarian?
A: Immediately if your dog has consumed chocolate. Bring the calculator results and chocolate packaging information.

Q4: How quickly do symptoms appear?
A: Symptoms typically appear within 6-12 hours after ingestion and can last up to 72 hours.

Q5: Are some dogs more susceptible?
A: Yes, smaller dogs, puppies, and dogs with pre-existing health conditions are at higher risk of toxicity.