Dial A Vet Logo
  • How It Works
  • Pricing
  • Blog
  Speak to a Vet now

Question:

My dog just ate some dark chocolate while I wasn’t looking. It wasn’t much, but should I be freaking out?

He snuck a few pieces off the coffee table. It was 70% dark chocolate and he’s a 20kg kelpie. He seems totally fine now but I know chocolate can be dangerous. What do I do?

Answer:

Dark chocolate is more toxic to dogs than milk chocolate because it contains more theobromine, which dogs can't metabolise well. For a 20kg dog, even a small amount of 70% dark chocolate could pose a risk - especially if he ate over 20 grams.Common symptoms of chocolate toxicity include:VomitingDiarrheaRestlessness or pacingFast heart rateTremors or seizures (in severe cases)This could potentially be an emergency depending on how much was consumed. If you're unsure about the quantity or notice any symptoms, please contact your nearest emergency vet clinic immediately — prompt treatment can make all the difference.Educational tip: Write down what type of chocolate it was (cocoa %, brand), how much he ate, and your dog’s weight — this helps emergency vets calculate risk quickly. While Dial A Vet doesn’t handle emergencies, we recommend keeping these details handy just in case.

Answered by

Dial A Vet Veterinary Team

June 7, 2025

  Book A Vet Consultation
The "Ask a Vet" forum on Dial A Vet offers general information and helpful tips on pet health, but it's not a substitute for professional veterinary care. The advice here doesn't create a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and our vets can't diagnose or treat your pet remotely. For emergencies or specific medical concerns, always contact your local veterinarian immediately. Your pet's health is unique, and decisions should only be made after consulting with a qualified professional. By using this forum, you acknowledge these limitations and agree to seek in-person veterinary advice for all your pet's health needs.
🧠 Related Pet Owner Questions
My dog’s nose is dry and cracked. Is that something I should worry about?
Louise – Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Is it normal that my cat sneezes 5-6 times in a row a few times a day? Otherwise she seems fine.
Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think my puppy ate a sock. He’s acting fine now, but should I wait or go straight to the vet?
Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Can cats take Panadol? My cat seems like he’s in pain and I wasn’t sure if I could give him just half a tablet?
Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Money Magazine
Australia's Leading
Online Vet
TrustPilot:
Excellent
Real Vets

Thousands of Pet Owners across the Globe rely on Dial A Vet for peace of mind.

Real questions, vet reviewed answers and quality care.

Trusted by 40,000+ users
4.7/5
dog in grass
Ina
Pet Owner

It was so easy, I needed some eye drops for my dog and thinking about going to the vet on a weekend made me nervous about the cost involved. Dial A Vet was a much simpler, cheaper option with faster results. Within 10 minutes of the call, I had the medicine I needed for my dog without an expensive consultation.

25 May 2025
Joanne
Pet Owner

A great fast efficient service with a qualified vet who was lovely and helpful. Thank you Samantha. I was able to sort my dog at 6pm on a Sunday night for $49 - amazing. Highly recommend.

12 May 2025
Lisa
Pet Owner

What an amazing service, at my wits end as I knew my beautiful dog had an ear infection, could not get into the vet for 4 days. Never knew there was vets online until I googled. Within 15 minutes on a Sunday I was taking to beautiful Samantha who diagnosed and treated our Jasper. Only $49. She trusted that we knew our boy and gave us lots of advice. I will definitely be using dial a vet every time and sharing with all my friends and family. Absolutely fantastic kind caring service. 11/10

7 April 2025
The logo for Dial A Vet, the online vet company.

With Dial A Vet, expert veterinary advice is just a tap away. Get fast vet consultations, trusted care, and personalized pet support—anytime, anywhere, all year round.

Dial A Vets uses software that is HIPAA compliant and SOC - 2 Certified.

support@dialavet.com.au

dial a vet owner with cat
dial a vet pet owner with dog in a orange top
colourful pet owner with their dog
40k+
Pet Owners
Fluffy stuff
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy policy
Company
How It WorksPricingBlogFree Online VetOnline VetPet Symptom CheckerFind a Local Vet ClinicFree Teachers lesson plansGasTexts: Free Gas Prices TextedCheersVC
NEW ZEALAND
Speak to A Vet NZ
Our Social Links