Why the Corgi's size makes this urgent
A 7 kg dog eating 50g of dark chocolate is in real danger — theobromine toxicity hits small bodies harder. Dark chocolate has 5-10 times more theobromine than milk chocolate, and even this small bar could push a Corgi past safe limits. Watch for pacing, panting, or vomiting in the next 2 hours, but don't wait for signs to act. Your vet may induce vomiting or give activated charcoal, depending on when the chocolate was eaten.
Bring the wrapper to confirm cocoa percentage — some dark chocolates are 70% or higher, which changes treatment urgency. If it's been under an hour since ingestion, the vet might safely empty the stomach. After that, IV fluids and monitoring for heart irregularities become the priority. Smaller dogs dehydrate faster from chocolate-induced diarrhea or vomiting.
What to do right now for both dogs
Isolate the Corgi in a quiet room with water while you call the vet — excitement worsens theobromine's heart effects. Check the bigger dog's mouth for chocolate residue or foil bits, but if they're acting normally with no evidence of chewing, focus on the at-risk pet. Time matters: theobromine peaks in the bloodstream 6-12 hours after eating, so early intervention prevents worse symptoms.
Gather both dogs' recent health details — pre-existing heart conditions or medications could complicate treatment. While the bigger dog likely avoided the chocolate, watch for any unusual restlessness or thirst over the next 24 hours. For the Corgi, note the exact time you found the empty wrapper; this helps the vet estimate absorption.
How dark chocolate differs from other types
That 50g bar could contain 300-500mg of theobromine depending on brand, where milk chocolate might have only 50mg for the same weight. Small dogs show toxicity signs at 20mg per kg of body weight — your Corgi is right at the danger threshold. Baking chocolate would be even worse, but dark chocolate still requires emergency care at this dose.
The fat content in dark chocolate also slows digestion, meaning symptoms can appear later than with milk chocolate. Don't assume safety if the Corgi seems fine after 3 hours — heart rate changes or muscle tremors may develop gradually. Your vet will likely recommend bloodwork to check liver enzymes, even if immediate symptoms are mild.
When to monitor vs. when to rush in
If the Corgi starts vomiting or has diarrhea before you leave, collect a sample for the vet — it helps assess toxin absorption. Rapid breathing or stumbling means you should skip calling and go straight to the clinic. For the bigger dog, normal behavior over the next 8 hours means they're clear, but check their gums — pale or blue-tinged gums need attention.
After veterinary treatment, the Corgi may need 24-48 hours of quiet rest — theobromine lingers in their system. Keep both dogs away from any remaining chocolate, and consider childproof latches for future storage. One incident doesn't make dogs more sensitive, but some develop a taste for chocolate after one exposure.
The step-by-step response, from the first minute to the vet visit, is in our Dog Poison Control Emergency Guide emergency guide.