My dog ate chocolate 12 hours ago. What are the next steps?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Pomeranian | Male | neutered
What Should I Do If My Dog Ate Chocolate 12 Hours Ago?
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on July 30th, 2016
There's not much to be done but treat the symptoms after more than 12 hours. A visit to your vet would be prudent if your dog ate a large quantity and is having tremors/twitches or an irregular/fast heartbeat. If he is acting normally otherwise, withhold food for 12-24 hours. Allow small amounts of water or unflavored PediaLyte. Resume feeding a bland diet (boiled boneless, skinless chicken breasts and plain white rice) in small, frequent amounts. Feed until the stool is normal, then transition slowly to the regular diet. If the diarrhea doesn't resolve, see your veterinarian.
45Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on November 13th, 2016
Normally, signs of chocolate toxicity (including vomiting and diarrhea, restlessness, muscle tremors, and even seizures) will begin within 2-4 hours of ingestion - so if it's been 12 hours and William seems fine, you should be in the clear :)
15Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on May 31st, 2018
Hi there and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Sorry to hear about the chocolate chip ingestion. If is has been 12 hours since ingestion and both of the dogs appear healthy and well, then I would continue to monitor at home for now. If you notice any changes in either of their behavior (rapid breathing, panting, pacing, vomiting, diarrhea), I would recommend they see an emergency veterinarian as soon as possible. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on December 15th, 2017
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Meeko! The fact that Meeko is laying there calmly makes me think (and hope!) that he is only feeling the GI upset of eating chocolate. The more serious side effect are increased heart rate, arrhythmias, tremors and seizures. The candy and the chocolate can cause vomiting and diarrhea from the fat and sugar. The other more serious worry is pancreatitis. If he is still vomiting, I would recommend not allowing him to have water for 4-6 hours then if there was no vomiting, allow only small sips and ice chips. I recommend no food for 12-24 hours with vomiting and diarrhea so the GI tract can rest. Resume feeding with a bland diet of boiled chicken or hamburger with rice. Feed 1 cup per 20 lbs per day until 1-2 normal stools. I do recommend taking him to your Vet when they open for antinausea medications and metronidazole for the diarrhea. I hope this helps and I wish Meeko a speedy recovery!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on May 13th, 2018
Thank you for providing information on what type of chocolate Fang ate and about how much he ate. Assuming he ate all 12 oz of the semi sweet chocolate, at his weight of 85 pounds, this should result in a mild reaction. You are seeing signs of it, including the vomiting, panting, and restlessness. Given that he is much more calm now, I would continue to monitor him. It can take up to 24 hours for the full effects of chocolate toxicity to occur, and if he continues vomiting, acts distressed, pants, and/or is restless again, then yes I would take him into a vet to be safe. To help with the vomiting, I recommend withholding food for 12-24 hours, then feed a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in his normal diet. Hopefully, however, the worse has passed for him and he will be fine. Best of luck!
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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