Chocolate Toxicity Calculator

How to Use the Chocolate Toxicity Calculator

This guide will help you effectively use the Chocolate Toxicity Calculator to assess the potential risk of chocolate ingestion by your dog. Please follow the steps below.

Step 1: Input Dog’s Weight

The first step requires you to input your dog’s weight. This is crucial for assessing the amount of theobromine against their body mass.

• Locate the “Dog’s Weight (kg)” field.
• Enter your dog’s weight using a number between 0.1 kg and 100 kg.
• Ensure the entered weight is in the correct format with increments of 0.1 kg as needed.

Step 2: Select Type of Chocolate

Next, you must specify the type of chocolate consumed by your dog. Different chocolates have varying levels of theobromine, which affects toxicity.

• Find the ‘Type of Chocolate’ dropdown menu.
• Select the appropriate chocolate type your dog has consumed from the list, which includes options like:
  • Dry Cocoa Powder – 240 mg/g
  • Unsweetened Baking Chocolate – 156 mg/g
  • Dark Chocolate (70-85%) – 130 mg/g
  • Dark Chocolate (60-69%) – 66 mg/g
  • Milk Chocolate – 44 mg/g
  • White Chocolate – 0.7 mg/g

Step 3: Enter Amount of Chocolate Consumed

To proceed, provide the specific amount of chocolate your dog ingested.

• Locate the ‘Amount Consumed (grams)’ field.
• Input the quantity of chocolate in grams, ranging from 1 gram to 1000 grams.
• Ensure to use whole numbers for accuracy.

Step 4: Review the Results

Based on your inputs, the calculator will immediately provide the following results:

• Theobromine Dose: This is calculated using the formula:
  • (chocolateType * chocolateAmount) / dogWeight

  The result, expressed in mg/kg, indicates the dosage of theobromine your dog has been exposed to.

• Toxicity Level: This result indicates the severity of toxicity, categorized as:
  • Mild: If the dose is less than 20 mg/kg.
  • Moderate: If the dose is between 20 and 40 mg/kg.
  • Severe: If the dose is between 40 and 60 mg/kg.
  • Critical: If the dose exceeds 60 mg/kg.
• Veterinary Advice: The recommendation will guide you on the necessary actions based on the toxicity level.
  • Monitor at home: For doses less than 20 mg/kg.
  • Seek immediate veterinary care: For doses of 20 mg/kg or more.

Following these steps will help you accurately assess the risk and take the appropriate actions to ensure your pet’s safety.