Easter is around the corner, and that means more chocolate in the average household. While you’re scarfing down that creme egg or solid chocolate bunny, it’s important to keep that kind of stuff away from your dogs.

Chocolate doesn’t agree with dogs in the same ways it does with humans. While it tastes good and makes us feel happy, it can affect the central nervous system of your dog and possibly be fatal if large amounts are consumed.

There is a chemical compound in chocolate called theobromine, which has negative effects on dogs and cats. In small doses, this will cause some digestive problems, but large doses can be much more harmful.

Some of the effects theobromine can have on dogs include excitability, irritability, an increased heart rate, muscle tremors, vomiting and diarrhea. If a combination of these symptoms start to appear in your dog, it’s possible that your pet consumed some chocolate.

Different kinds of chocolate have different levels of theobromine. While the amount of theobromine in each kind of chocolate can’t be pinned down, there are some general guidelines to go by. Milk chocolate has the lowest levels of theobromine, and will most likely only cause digestive problems. Semi-sweet chocolate has the next highest level of theobromine, and the largest amount can be found in baker’s chocolate. If your dog consumes a couple of ounces of baker’s chocolate, it’s time to worry.

If it’s only been an hour or two since the chocolate has been ingested, inducing vomiting can be helpful. If it’s been longer than that, you’re best bet it to call a vet and see what they have to say.

Here’s a video that explains a little bit more about chocolate poisoning: