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, making them susceptible to chocolate poisoning. The toxic dose ranges from 100-200 mg/kg, with lethal doses starting at 200 mg/kg.

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 body weight in kilograms

Toxicity Levels:

• Below 100 mg/kg: Generally safe
• 100-200 mg/kg: Potentially toxic
• Above 200 mg/kg: Lethal dose

3. Importance of Theobromine Dose Calculation

Details: Accurate theobromine dose calculation is crucial for assessing the severity of chocolate ingestion in dogs and determining if emergency veterinary care is needed.

4. Using the Calculator

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.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical theobromine levels in different chocolates?
A: Dark chocolate: 5-15 mg/g, Milk chocolate: 1-2 mg/g, White chocolate: negligible amounts.

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

Q3: How soon after ingestion do symptoms appear?
A: Symptoms typically appear within 6-12 hours after ingestion but can take up to 24 hours.

Q4: What should I do if my dog eats chocolate?
A: Contact your veterinarian immediately. Provide details about the type and amount of chocolate consumed and your dog's weight.

Q5: Can theobromine affect other animals?
A: Yes, cats, horses, and other animals can also be affected by theobromine toxicity, though dogs are most commonly affected.