1. What is the Theobromine Dose Calculator?

The Merck Chocolate Calculator estimates theobromine dose per kilogram of body weight based on chocolate consumption. Theobromine is a compound found in chocolate that can be toxic to animals, particularly dogs, at certain doses.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Theobromine Dose equation:

Where:

• Chocolate Amount — Amount of chocolate consumed in grams
• Theobromine — Theobromine content per gram of chocolate in mg/g
• Body Weight — Body weight in kilograms

Explanation: The equation calculates the dose of theobromine per kilogram of body weight, which helps assess potential toxicity risk.

3. Importance of Theobromine Dose Calculation

Details: Accurate theobromine dose calculation is crucial for assessing chocolate toxicity risk in animals. Signs of toxicity typically appear at doses of 20-40 mg/kg, with more severe symptoms at higher doses.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter chocolate amount in grams, theobromine content in mg/g, and body weight in kilograms. All values must be valid positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the toxic dose of theobromine?
A: Signs of toxicity typically appear at doses of 20-40 mg/kg, with more severe symptoms at higher doses.

Q2: Which types of chocolate have the highest theobromine content?
A: Dark chocolate and baking chocolate typically have the highest theobromine content, while milk chocolate has less, and white chocolate has very little.

Q3: How quickly do symptoms of theobromine poisoning appear?
A: Symptoms typically appear within 6-12 hours after ingestion and can last up to 72 hours.

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

Q5: Are some animals more sensitive to theobromine than others?
A: Yes, dogs are particularly sensitive to theobromine, while cats and other animals may be less affected due to different metabolism.