Does Feeding Dogs Chocolate Really Give Them Worms?

Can dogs get worms from eating chocolate? The short answer is no. However, eating chocolate can cause far worse health issues for dogs than worms. Chocolate contains two chemicals harmful to dogs; theobromine and caffeine. These chemicals are harmless to humans but can cause heart and central nervous problems in dogs, including seizures, coma and death. If you know or suspect your dog has eaten chocolate of any kind, take it to your veterinarian immediately.

  1. Types of Dog Worms

    • The types of worms common to dogs are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, flatworms, heartworms and lungworms. Almost all are found in the digestive system except heartworms and lungworms. Flatworms can be found in the lungs and liver as well as the intestines.

    Causes of Worms in Dogs

    • Puppies with worms are typically infected by their mothers. In adult dogs, worms tend to come from insect bites or contact with waste from another infected dog. Worms remain in areas where waste has been even after the waste is removed.

    Effects of Chocolate on Dogs

    • Consuming chocolate in small amounts may cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs either immediately or as late as the next day. Larger amounts cause more severe symptoms such as restlessness, irritability, increased urination and heart rate, and even tremors or seizures. Large amounts of chocolate can cause coma or death.

    How Much is Dangerous?

    • The danger chocolate consumption poses to dogs depends on how much and what type they consume. A toxic amount of milk chocolate is 1 oz. per 1 lb. of the dog's weight. Semisweet chocolate is toxic at 1 oz. per 3 to 6 lbs. of the dog's weight. Baking chocolate is toxic at 1 oz. per 10 lbs. of a dog's weight, and cocoa beans themselves at 1 oz. per 10 to 33 lbs.

    Prevention of Worms

    • To prevent worms in dogs, have puppies dewormed at 2 weeks old and have nursing puppies examined and treated. Use hookworm and heartworm preventatives. Dispose of all waste immediately and always wash your hands after doing so. Wash children's hands after they play with dogs.