Mi perro comió chocolate: Qué hacer ahora
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Qué hacer ahora mismo
- 1
Call for Help Immediately
Contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or your nearest emergency vet. Time is critical — do not wait for symptoms to appear.
- 2
Gather Information
Note the type of chocolate (milk, dark, baking), estimated amount consumed, and your dog's weight. This helps the vet assess toxicity risk.
- 3
Do NOT Induce Vomiting Without Vet Approval
Inducing vomiting can cause aspiration pneumonia or worsen the situation. Only do so if explicitly instructed by a veterinarian.
- 4
Monitor Symptoms Closely
Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, increased thirst, rapid breathing, and seizures. Symptoms may appear within 2-4 hours.
Evalúe el riesgo de su mascota ahora mismo
| Tipo de chocolate | Nivel de teobromina | Nivel de riesgo |
|---|---|---|
| White Chocolate | Minimal (0.25 mg/oz) | Low (but high fat) |
| Milk Chocolate | 44-60 mg/oz | Moderate |
| Dark Chocolate | 130-450 mg/oz | High |
| Baking Chocolate | 390-450 mg/oz | Severe |
La ciencia detrás de esto
El chocolate contiene teobromina y cafeína, ambas metilxantinas que los perros metabolizan mucho más lentamente que los humanos. Mientras que los humanos eliminan la teobromina en 2-3 horas, los perros tardan 17,5 horas o más. Esto permite que los niveles tóxicos se acumulen en su sistema. La teobromina afecta el sistema nervioso central, el sistema cardiovascular y los músculos lisos. En dosis altas, causa convulsiones, arritmias cardíacas y potencialmente la muerte (ASPCA, 2023).
Preguntas frecuentes
How much chocolate is toxic to dogs?
Toxicity depends on the type of chocolate and your dog's weight. Milk chocolate becomes toxic at approximately 0.5 oz per pound of body weight. Dark chocolate is 2-3x more toxic. Baking chocolate is the most dangerous — as little as 0.1 oz per pound can be lethal. Use our toxicity calculator to assess your dog's specific risk.
How long after eating chocolate will a dog show symptoms?
Symptoms typically appear within 2-4 hours but can be delayed up to 12 hours. Early signs include vomiting, diarrhea, and restlessness. Severe symptoms (seizures, irregular heartbeat) may appear 6-12 hours after ingestion. Theobromine is absorbed slowly, so symptoms can worsen over time.
Can a dog die from eating chocolate?
Yes, chocolate can be fatal to dogs. The lethal dose of theobromine is approximately 100-500 mg per kg of body weight. For a 20kg (44lb) dog, this equals roughly 200g of milk chocolate or 100g of dark chocolate. Immediate veterinary treatment significantly improves survival rates.