My Dog Ate a Kit Kat Will He Get Sick?

It’s a fact that dogs love what we eat and usually beg for us to share a bit with them! The problem comes when we’re enjoying a candy bar, such as a Kit Kat. What could be the harm in sharing a bite of a Kit Kat bar with your dog? Let’s take a look.

Chocolate is Toxic for Dogs

The issue is that Kit Kat bars contain chocolate, which is toxic for dogs. Chocolate contains methylxanthines (which are caffeine and theobromine) and this substance is a poison in dogs. Not all chocolates contain the same amount of this substance, either. Generally, the darker the chocolate, then its toxicity levels increase. For instance, milk chocolate is not as bad as baker’s chocolate, which has the highest concentration of methylxanthines.

Toxicity also depends on how much of the chocolate a dog has eaten and the size of the dog. For instance, if a 30 lb dog has eaten 1 oz of milk chocolate, chances are he will be OK. The dog may develop nausea and vomiting, or even diarrhea, but he will be OK. However, if a 50 lb dog eats 3 oz of dark chocolate, then it is a medical emergency.

So, the amount and type of chocolate, along with the dog’s weight, can determine how sick the chocolate can make him. These factors also indicate whether or not the situation is a medical emergency.

Kit Kat Bars

Kit Kat bars are made with milk chocolate, which has the lowest amount of toxic substances for dogs. Thankfully the bars are small, with a regular Kit Kat bar coming in at 1.5 oz. Here is how much chocolate in a Kit Kat bar could affect a dog by weight:

• 5 oz. for a 10 lb dog
• 7 oz for a 20 lb dog
• 5 oz for a 30 lb dog

In these instances, you’ll need to call the vet as soon as possible.

Symptoms of Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs

Dogs may experience any of these symptoms after eating chocolate:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Restlessness
• Increased urination
• Tremors
• Elevated heart rate
• Seizures
• Collapse
• Death

If your fur baby has only eaten a small bit of a Kit Kat bar, chances are he will be just fine. Monitor him for any signs of chocolate poisoning. Call the vet right away if your canine companion has any symptoms. Your vet will give you the best advice on next steps.

When it comes to chocolate, dogs are as thoroughly in love with it as we are. However, never give your canine companion chocolate, even if you’re tempted. It could make him very sick. If your fur baby just has to have chocolate, then consider carob, which is a safe chocolate alternative for our dogs!