Chocolate
Chocolate: Safe for Dogs and Cats?
If your pet ate this, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, compounds dogs cannot break down efficiently, and even an ordinary amount can cause real illness.
Toxic principle: theobromine and caffeine (methylxanthines)
Watch for
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- increased thirst
- restlessness
- panting
- elevated heart rate
- muscle tremors
- seizures
Sources
- ASPCA: What to Do If Your Pet Gets Into Chocolate
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Chocolate Toxicosis in Animals
Reviewed 2026-07-12
Cats are even more sensitive than dogs to the theobromine and caffeine in chocolate, even though they eat it less often because they cannot taste sweetness.
Toxic principle: theobromine and caffeine (methylxanthines)
Watch for
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- increased thirst
- restlessness
- panting
- elevated heart rate
- muscle tremors
- seizures
Sources
- ASPCA: What to Do If Your Pet Gets Into Chocolate
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Chocolate Toxicosis in Animals
Reviewed 2026-07-12
This page is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's diet and health.
Read our methodology for how every verdict is sourced and reviewed.