Dealing with the ‘Chocolate’ Lab: Diagnosis and Management of Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs

Chocolate ingestion is one of the most common toxic emergencies seen in veterinary practice—especially among our notoriously food-motivated Labrador friends. But how do you determine when it’s a true emergency versus a case of overindulgence?

In this practical and case-based webinar, we’ll explore why chocolate is toxic to dogs, the science behind the risk, and how to assess the seriousness of each case. You’ll learn how to take a logical, step-by-step diagnostic approach, including key questions to ask and what clinical signs to look for.

We’ll also cover evidence-based treatment protocols: what interventions are necessary, when to initiate them, and how to tailor your response based on the amount and type of chocolate consumed.

Whether you’re in general practice or emergency care, this session will leave you better equipped to manage chocolate toxicity efficiently and confidently—because when it comes to Labradors and chocolate, it’s not a matter of if, but when.

Kerry Doolin

ECC Specialist

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Kerry has been an emergency vet for 15 years after graduating from the University of Sydney in 2005. Kerry furthered her training via a speciality emergency and critical care internship at the University of California in Davis, followed by a three year residency in emergency and critical care at the Royal Veterinary College in London. In 2019 she passed her specialty exams to become a diplomat of the American College of Emergency and Critical Care. For the last year she has been working in Sydney as Head of ECC at North Shore Veterinary Specialist and Emergency Centre.