By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
A standard Cherry Ripe is already coated in dark chocolate. Dark and double dipped versions add more of it, and some have used higher cocoa chocolate in the past. For a dog, that matters. The toxic compounds in chocolate, theobromine and caffeine, come from the cocoa solids, so the darker and thicker the chocolate, the less it takes to make a dog unwell. If your dog has eaten a dark Cherry Ripe, call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738 now rather than waiting for signs.
Key takeaways
- Theobromine and caffeine levels rise with cocoa content. Dark chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate, and baking chocolate and cocoa powder are more dangerous again.
- A double dipped or dark Cherry Ripe carries more chocolate per bar than a standard one.
- Small dogs can be affected by surprisingly small amounts of dark chocolate.
- The rich coconut filling adds fat, which can cause gut upset and pancreatitis.
- Never induce vomiting at home. Vets can do this safely in clinic when appropriate.
- Related: Cherry Ripe and dogs, dark chocolate, milk chocolate.
Why cocoa percentage matters
Chocolate is made from cocoa solids, cocoa butter, sugar and sometimes milk. Theobromine sits mainly in the cocoa solids. That gives a rough ranking from least to most concerning:
- White chocolate, which contains very little theobromine (though it is still fatty and sugary)
- Milk chocolate
- Dark chocolate, including the coating on a standard Cherry Ripe
- High cocoa dark chocolate, such as 70 percent bars
- Cooking and baking chocolate
- Cocoa powder and raw cacao powder
The percentage on the wrapper is useful information. Keep it when you call your vet, because it helps them estimate how much theobromine your dog has eaten.
What theobromine does to dogs
Dogs clear theobromine slowly, so it lingers in the body. It overstimulates the nervous system and heart and makes the kidneys produce more urine. Signs usually appear within 6 to 12 hours:
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Excessive thirst and urination
- Restlessness, pacing, panting
- A fast or irregular heartbeat
- Tremors and twitching
- Raised body temperature
- Seizures and collapse in severe cases
Some dogs are also left with a sore stomach or pancreatitis from the fat a few days later.
What to do right now
- Take away any remaining chocolate and keep the wrapper.
- Note the variety, the number of bars and the time.
- Have your dog's current weight ready.
- Phone your vet, your nearest emergency clinic, or the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738.
- If you are told to come in, go straight away. Early decontamination is far more effective than treating signs later.
Do not use salt, hydrogen peroxide, mustard or any other home method to make your dog vomit. These can cause dangerous complications.
When it is an emergency
Go to a vet immediately if your dog is trembling, panting heavily, extremely restless, has a racing heart, is wobbly, collapses or seizes. Treat any dark chocolate ingestion in a small dog, a puppy, or a dog with heart disease as urgent until a vet tells you otherwise.
How vets treat dark chocolate ingestion
Your vet will estimate the theobromine your dog has eaten from the type, amount and your dog's weight. If your dog is seen early and is well enough, the vet may induce vomiting in clinic. Activated charcoal may be given to reduce absorption, sometimes repeated. Intravenous fluids help flush the toxins and support the kidneys. Heart rate, blood pressure and temperature are monitored, and medicines for tremors, seizures or heart rhythm problems are given if needed. Many dogs go home within a day or two after early treatment.
Prevention
- Keep dark chocolate, baking chocolate and cocoa well out of reach, ideally in a closed high cupboard.
- Watch handbags, school bags and coat pockets left on the floor.
- Take extra care during Easter and Christmas, when chocolate exposures in dogs rise sharply.
- Brief house guests and pet sitters.
FAQ
Is a dark Cherry Ripe more dangerous than a regular one?
Usually yes, because it carries more dark chocolate or a higher cocoa percentage. The exact risk depends on the product and your dog's weight.
My dog seems fine two hours later. Can I wait and see?
Signs often take 6 to 12 hours to appear. Call your vet now, because treatment is most effective before signs start.
Can a dog die from dark chocolate?
Severe poisoning can be fatal, particularly in small dogs that eat a lot of dark or baking chocolate. Prompt treatment makes a big difference.
Does milk in the chocolate make it safer?
Milk chocolate has less cocoa, so less theobromine per gram, but it is still risky and adds fat and sugar.
Talk with a vet
If your dog has eaten dark chocolate, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you assess the risk quickly and tell you whether to head to a clinic. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Chocolate toxicosis in animals.
- Gwaltney-Brant S. Chocolate intoxication. Vet Med. 2001;96(2):108-111.
- Noble PJM, et al. Heightened risk of canine chocolate exposure at Christmas and Easter. Vet Rec. 2017;181(25):684.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Chocolate.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.