my dog just got into a bowl of chocolate and ate quite a bit before I caught him. Should I be panicking and rushing to the vet, or is there something I can do at home first? He seems fine for now, but I'm worried.

Hi there! It's understandable to be concerned when your pup gets into something like chocolate. Let's address this calmly. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. The degree of toxicity depends on the type and amount of chocolate and your dog's size.

First, what to watch out for:

• Restlessness or hyperactivity
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Tremors or seizures
• Increased heart rate
• Muscle rigidity

Dark chocolate and baking chocolate have higher theobromine levels, making them more dangerous than milk chocolate. As a general guideline, ingestion of more than 20mg of theobromine per kg of body weight can cause symptoms in dogs. For a small dog, even a small amount can be serious.

Here's what you can do right now:

• If it's been less than 2 hours since ingestion, and you're comfortable doing so, you can try to induce vomiting with hydrogen peroxide (1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight), but only if your dog is alert.
• Ensure your dog has access to water to stay hydrated.
• Monitor for any of the symptoms mentioned above.

Head to the vet immediately if your dog is showing severe symptoms like seizures, or if you're unsure about the amount consumed. Better 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.