My dog just snatched a chocolate chip cookie off the table. Do I need to be worried or take him to the vet, or is one cookie not going to hurt him too much?

Hi there! It's totally understandable to be worried about your pup getting into chocolate. The good news is that a single chocolate chip cookie is unlikely to cause serious issues, especially if your dog is on the larger side. However, it’s good to be cautious, as chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.

Here's what you should keep an eye on in the next few hours:

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Restlessness or hyperactivity
• Increased urination
• Muscle twitching
• Seizures (in rare, severe cases)

Most small dogs can tolerate about 20mg of theobromine per kilogram of their body weight before experiencing toxicity symptoms. Milk chocolate typically contains about 44-60mg of theobromine per ounce, so a small amount in a cookie is less concerning but still something to monitor.

Here’s what you can do at home:

• Monitor your dog’s behavior, especially for any of the symptoms above.
• Make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water.
• Avoid any further treats or meals that might upset their stomach for a bit.

If your dog is a smaller breed and ate a good portion of chocolate or you notice any of the symptoms above—especially those at the more severe end—it's a good idea to call your vet for advice, as they may want you to bring your dog in for an examination just to be safe.

If you're unsure or your pet’s symptoms worsen, it's best to book a call with a vet on Dial A Vet for professional advice.