My Dog Ate a Kit Kat Will He Get Sick?
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!
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Ohh! I see. I never would have thought chocolate would be harmful to dogs. I am a new dog owner and loves chocolate a lot. If I haven’t seen this here, I would have one day share my chocolate with my new furry friend. No one ever told me it’s poisonous to dogs. Thanks so much for this info. You are a life saver.
Any time I take some chocolate before my dog, I could tell she badly also want some of it. I usually feel bad when I deprive her. What can I do in such a case, can I just give her some and be careful not to give her too much? Pls help.
Anyway, I think if you really love the dog, you would keep Kit Kat or chocolates away from her completely. Not giving her the chocolate to eat doesn’t mean you hate her. In fact, it shows you really love and cares for her. If you can’t stand the expression on her face when you deprive her, then don’t take chocolates in her presence. That too should help.
No wonder. Now I know why my dog came down with diarrhea last week. This is a lesson for me. Now, all Kit Kat bars would be kept away from him henceforth. I’m grateful for this post.