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My 33lb dog ate 12 oz of chocolate M&Ms. Should he see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My dog ate around 11 to 12 ounces of chocolate M&Ms with in the past two hours. I've given him hydrogen Prock side in which he is throwing up a little bit but not a tremendous amount. My bad is supposed to call me back but I'm just a little bit of concerned about the wait time. He weighs about 33 pounds. Should he be taken in ?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on November 1st, 2016

Poor pup! 11-12 ounces of milk chocolate in a dog this size is not likely to cause a life-threatening problem, but you might see some signs of toxicity such as restlessness, panting, and diarrhea. Chocolate toxicity can cause more severe symptoms at higher doses, such as muscle tremors, cardiac arrythmias, and seizures, but this would be uncommon at the dose your dog ingested - especially if he has vomited up some of the chocolate already. So, to answer your question - the safest option would be to take him in to see your vet, since they can give activated charcoal to help make sure that he doesn't absorb much of the chocolate and also start supportive care to prevent any problems if they feel it is warranted. If you opt not to do this, there is some risk that your dog may have some toxicity issues but in my experience the risk would be relatively low.

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    Answered By Christie Long, DVM

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on

    It's likely that there is something less than 11-12 ounces of actual chocolate in 11-12 ounces of M&M's, however if I put these numbers into my chocolate toxicity calculator, it does tell me that clinical signs are likely. These could include vomiting and diarrhea, tremors, and even seizures. The fact that he didn't bring much chocolate up with the H2O2 administration is concerning, and yes, I would urge you to go ahead and take him in to your vet. He can give a drug that is more effective at inducing vomiting, and also give activated charcoal to absorb more of the toxins.

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 9th, 2017

    This is not a enough kill chocolate to cause serious symptoms but had the potential to cause vomiting and diarrhea and maybe make him a little hyper. If you notice any changes in his demeanor then I would take to an emergency clinic.

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    Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 22nd, 2019

    Since this was a small amount of milk chocolate the amount of toxic ingredients should be fairly low. Your dog may exhibit some GI signs like vomiting or diarrhea. He may even have some hyperactivity. Severe signs of chocolate toxicity include an increased heart rate, agitation, and seizures. If you notice any of these signs or are concerned by his behavior then taken him to the vet as soon as possible. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 11th, 2016

    I'm not sure how "pure" the dark chocolate is M&MS , but if it is then this amount definitely has the potential to be toxic. If you have hydrogen peroxide 3% at home, give him two tea spoons or rely (not more), if he doesn't throw up within 10-15 minutes, take him to the emergencies to get an injection to induce vomiting.

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