Everyone loves chocolate, even dogs. But it’s important not to let your dog get at your chocolate candy. Tasty as chocolate is for humans, it contains two substances that are toxic for dogs: theobromine and caffeine.

What To Do If Your Dog Eats Chocolate

If your dog does manage to eat some of your chocolate candy, you might not need to panic. The size and weight of the dog makes a big difference. A very small dog – in the 10 lbs. range – could be hurt by as little as 7 oz of milk chocolate. A large dog might suffer few ill effects even if he ate an entire two-pound bag of chocolate hearts. Every dog responds differently.

Dark chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate because it contains more cocoa. White chocolate is the least dangerous because it contains little to none.

No matter how much or what kind of chocolate your dog has eaten, you should call your vet right away. Your vet will ask you to describe the dog’s symptoms and may give you some strategies to minimize the damage. You might need to bring your dog into the vet, but always call first, so the vet can instruct you in first aid.

Preventative Measures

Of course, your best bet is to keep your candy as far away from your dogs as possible. After all, you bought it for the humans in your life, not for your pets.

To prevent your dog from getting at your chocolate candy, make sure you store it properly. If your dog is big enough to reach tabletops or countertops, make sure chocolate is put away in cupboards or drawers that pets can’t open.

Many people like to keep M&M’s or Sixlets in a decorative candy dish. If you do this, make sure the dish is stored on a shelf that is too high for your dog to reach.

Just like humans, dogs who eat chocolate just once quickly develop a taste for it. If you have a dog who has eaten chocolate in the past, be extra careful when storing your chocolate because she’ll be more likely to seek it out.

Treats For Humans

For the humans in your life, here are some of our favorite chocolate candy treats:

Crispy M&M’s – candy-coated chocolate with a crispy center. Perfect for parties or everyday snacking

Dove Promises – candy for grown-ups, these silky smooth treats come in dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and milk chocolate caramel.

Hershey Factory Favorites – 145 pieces of your favorite Hershey chocolate candy including Reese’s cups, Whoopers, KitKat, and milk chocolate bars.

Hershey Special Dark Chocolate Kisses – Rich dark chocolate in a little kiss. Show someone your love, even if that someone is yourself.

Mars Miniature Mix – An assortment of fun size Milky Way, Milky Way Mmdnight, 3 Musketeers, Twix, and Snickers bars.

Special Treats For Dogs

If you do want to get a treat for your furry friend, stick with something made especially for him. MilkBone dog treats are safe for your pupper. There are also treats with a chocolatey taste from carob or other chocolate substitutes that lack theobromine and caffeine. And he’s sure to love these substitutes.

For even more bulk candy chocolate for humans, visit our online candy store.