My Dog Ate White Chocolate What Should I Do?

Reviewed By Tom •  Updated: 07/19/22 •  3 min read
Dog Moderate Toxicity Level
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Dog Ate White Chocolate

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Don’t you just love white chocolate? There’s really nothing like this lovely, yummy treat. White chocolate is almost as popular as dark and semi-sweet chocolate! But what happens if a dog eats white chocolate? Can white chocolate make a dog sick?

Has your dog eaten white chocolate? Are you worried the white chocolate will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something like this.

We’ve put together information about white chocolate and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!

It is strongly recommended to contact a Pet Poison Helpline or your veterinarian.

What is White Chocolate?

White chocolate is a type of chocolate that usually does not contain cocoa solids or cacao nibs. However, it does contain cocoa butter. This buttery, smooth, sweet substance is used for baking (think white chocolate chip macadamia nut cookies!) and for making candy.

White chocolate has a fascinating history. It’s thought that Nestle first developed white chocolate commercially in Switzerland during WWI. There was an excess of milk powder, and the company wanted to do something with it. We’re entirely grateful they decided to create white chocolate!

While white chocolate is safe for humans (in moderation), what about dogs? Can dogs eat white chocolate?

White Chocolate & Dogs

Unfortunately, white chocolate can be toxic for dogs. The reason is that this chocolate also contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to dogs.

Dogs are not able to metabolize these substances the way we do. That means theobromine and caffeine stay in the dog’s system longer, which can cause some serious health issues. However, a dog would have to eat a large amount of white chocolate in order to reach toxic amounts. Even so, there are other health issues to keep in mind.

White chocolate contains high amounts of fat and sugar, both of which can make dogs very sick. They can develop pancreatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, and more.

Symptoms of White Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs

You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten white chocolate:

If you notice these symptoms in your dog, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.

Treatment of White Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs

The vet may start by inducing vomiting and giving your dog activated charcoal. These treatments work to remove the toxins from the dog’s system. In severe cases, your dog may require an IV for fluids and to administer other medications. The vet will treat symptoms as they appear.

The good news is that most dogs will make a full recovery if they receive prompt medical treatment. And be sure to keep white and other chocolates out of your dog’s reach. Prevention is always the best medicine!

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Tom

Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!

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