Suspect poisoning? US: ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · UK: 01202 509 000 · Severe symptoms → nearest emergency vet now.

My 15 kg dog ate one chocolate chip cookie and the vet induced vomiting. What should I expect over the next 48 hours at home?

Dogs · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

Expect him to be tired from the medication and possibly have a sore throat from vomiting. Offer small sips of water and bland food like plain rice and boiled chicken once he's interested. The main risk now is delayed absorption of any chocolate the vomiting missed — watch for restlessness, panting, or a racing heart over the next 12 hours. His stomach may also be upset from the fat and sugar, causing soft stools. Call your vet if any neurological signs appear or if he refuses water.

Post-vomiting care for a 15 kg dog

Your 15 kg dog's throat will feel raw after veterinary-induced vomiting, so offer water in frequent, small amounts rather than letting him gulp. The medication used to make him vomit often causes drowsiness for 6-8 hours—expect him to nap heavily. This is normal, but wake him gently every few hours to check his alertness and offer a tablespoon of water.

Wait at least 4 hours after vomiting before attempting food. Start with a spoonful of plain boiled chicken or rice—if he keeps that down, you can offer slightly more every 2 hours. Avoid his regular kibble for 24 hours as it's harder to digest when his stomach is irritated.

Late-stage chocolate risks after treatment

While vomiting removes most of the cookie, some chocolate may have already passed into his intestines. Theobromine absorption continues for up to 12 hours, so watch for subtle signs like pacing or excessive licking of surfaces—these often appear before more obvious panting or tremors.

His 15 kg size gives him some protection, but dark chocolate chips pose more risk than milk chocolate. If the cookie contained baker's chocolate or cocoa powder, contact the vet again immediately—these forms concentrate theobromine dangerously even in small amounts.

Monitoring his digestive recovery

Over the next two days, his stool may be loose or oddly colored from the vomiting medication and residual chocolate. Temporary diarrhea is common, but bloody stool or straining warrants a vet callback. Track his water intake carefully—dehydration can sneak up on dogs recovering from toxin exposure.

Appetite should return gradually. If he refuses food for more than 24 hours post-vomiting, or if he eats but then regurgitates, his stomach lining may need additional veterinary support. Small, frequent meals will help rebuild normal digestion.

Behavioral changes to report

Some dogs become temporarily anxious or clingy after medical interventions. However, unusual behaviors like staring at walls, stumbling, or exaggerated reactions to sounds could indicate neurological effects from chocolate toxicity and require follow-up care.

Keep a log of his sleep patterns, water consumption, and any muscle twitches. This helps the vet assess whether he needs additional treatment. Most dogs bounce back within 48 hours if the chocolate dose wasn't severe, but your detailed observations ensure nothing gets missed.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Cookies food facts page.

Open the full food page: Cookies food facts →