1. What is Theobromine Toxicity?

Theobromine, a compound found in chocolate, is toxic to dogs because they metabolize it much more slowly than humans. The LD50 (lethal dose for 50% of animals) is 100-200 mg/kg. Symptoms range from vomiting to seizures and death depending on the dose.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator estimates theobromine toxicity based on:

Where:

• Chocolate Amount — Weight of chocolate consumed in grams
• Theobromine Content — Varies by chocolate type (2.4-28 mg/g)
• Dog Weight — Body weight in kilograms

Severity Scale:

• <20 mg/kg: Mild (unlikely to cause symptoms)
• 20-60 mg/kg: Moderate (vomiting, diarrhea)
• 60-100 mg/kg: Severe (cardiac effects possible)
• >100 mg/kg: Potentially lethal

3. Importance of Toxicity Calculation

Details: Accurate toxicity estimation helps determine if emergency veterinary care is needed. Early treatment can prevent serious complications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the amount of chocolate consumed in grams, the dog's weight in kilograms, and select the type of chocolate. All values must be valid (amount > 0, weight > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How quickly do symptoms appear?
A: Symptoms typically appear within 6-12 hours but can take up to 24 hours.

Q2: What should I do if my dog ate chocolate?
A: Contact your veterinarian immediately with the calculated dose. They may induce vomiting or provide activated charcoal.

Q3: Are some dogs more sensitive?
A: Yes, puppies, small dogs, and dogs with health conditions may be more susceptible.

Q4: What about white chocolate?
A: White chocolate contains minimal theobromine (0.1 mg/g) and is unlikely to cause toxicity.

Q5: How accurate is this calculator?
A: It provides estimates based on average theobromine content. Individual sensitivity may vary.