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My dog ate dark chocolate and is vomiting and shaking. What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 5 years and 9 months old | 20 lbs

It's been about 12 hours since my 20lb dog ate about an ounce of a semisweet dark chocolate hershey bar. He drank a whole bowl of water last night and he's thrown up 3 times. He was shaking but after he threw up the last time it calmed down. His heart beat is also a little fast, and his balance is a little off. He's not acting thirsty. He doesn't seem to want to do anything now either though. He's miserable. What can I do?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on October 6th, 2017

The amount of theobromine your pet has been exposed to is relatively low but he is showing some worrying signs of toxicity, for that reason i strongly recommend that you take him to the vet ASAP just in case he needs supportive treatment to go through this phase of potential toxicity.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 10th, 2017

    The twitching you see is more likely due to muscle tremors from the chocolate and not shivering due to cold so be very cautious not to allow him to become overheated. If severe, he should be treated by a vet to reduce the muscle twitching which can in some cases progress to seizures. Monitor urine production and kidney function - a drip may be required if circulation is compromised and urine production reduced

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