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Can my dog eat this

Can Dogs Drink Coffee?

At A Glance

Is a strong cup of latte what keeps you going through the day? As a coffee-lover, you may feel like there’s no harm in letting your dog have a sip or two. So, you'd often ask, can dogs drink coffee.

Unfortunately, coffee is one of those foods that you absolutely must keep away from your dog. Let’s understand why.

Last Updated on: Mar 12, 2022




There are certain foods that are known to pose a severe risk to your dog’s health. Coffee, unfortunately, is one of them. Can dogs drink coffee? Here’s some information to help you understand how caffeine can affect your pet.

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A dog looking at coffee

Can My Dog Drink Coffee?

No. Your dog cannot drink coffee.

Caffeine offers zero benefits to your dog and will only result in a possibly life-threatening situation. The presence of caffeine is also the reason why dogs can drink tea only in small amounts.

Why? Simply because your pet’s stomach cannot tolerate caffeine. For humans, caffeine can escalate heart rate or increase brain function. On the other hand, for dogs are just not built to sustain the level of stimulation that is caused by caffeine.

The size of your pet and the amount of caffeine consumed will determine how gravely caffeine has affected it. Even if your dog licks some coffee off the ground or eats some coffee beans or any product with coffee in it, it can suffer from caffeine toxicity.

How To Stop Your Dog From Drinking Coffee?

If you spot your pet sniffing coffee beans or looking like he might just lunge at your coffee, intervene right away. Here are some ways to prevent your pet from consuming coffee:

  • Keep all coffee boxes, beans, grounded coffee, or any food products that may contain caffeine away from your pet’s reach.
  • Never leave your cup unattended.
  • Always clean up any coffee spills on the floor.
  • Instruct your family to never experiment with coffee on your dog.

 

Sick dog lying down

Symptoms Of Caffeine Poisoning

Dogs have an extremely low tolerance for caffeine. So if your dog has consumed coffee, the symptoms of caffeine poisoning will often start to appear within 30 minutes.

Here are the signs to look for:

  • Hyperactive behavior
  • Excessive panting and restlessness
  • Puking
  • Increased heart rate and high blood pressure
  • Uncontrolled heart rhythm
  • Increased body temperature
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Fainting

 

Carrot juice

Safer Alternatives To Coffee For Your Dog

So your dog cannot drink coffee. What can your dog drink? Ideally, the only drink your dog should be having is water.

However, if you want to add variety to your dog’s diet, there are some safer options. But before you try these drinks out, we recommend you have a word with your veterinarian.

Herbal Tea

Small amounts of herbal tea, caffeine-free of course, can be a relaxing alternative to your pet. Herbal tea comes with high antioxidant properties and can be soothing and help improve its immune system.

Carrot Juice

An absolute wonder of a drink, carrot juice offers many health benefits. It is rich in vitamins, fibers, and potassium. Even though it is recommended that you feed your dog small pieces of carrot, the juice also is a wonderful alternative.

Coconut Water

What better drink to have in the summer than a refreshing glass of coconut water? Coconut water is very nourishing and provides various vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes. Plus, coconut water is known to improve skin and fur, sweeten your pet’s breath, and even help with arthritis.

A dog looking at a mug of coffee

Frequently Asked Questions

What To Do If My Dog Drank Coffee?

With dogs having high caffeine sensitivity, a few drops of the brew is good enough to disrupt its system. If you believe your dog has ingested caffeine, rush to the vet immediately. 

If your vet is unavailable, seek assistance from the Pet Poison Helpline (855-213-6680).

How Does the Vet Treat Caffeine Poisoning In Dogs?

The vet may use the following procedures to address caffeine ingestion.

  • Induce vomiting
  • Provide medication to bring down the blood pressure and heart rate
  • Prescribe pills to prevent seizures

 

What Are the Caffeine Hazards In My House?

The possible sources of caffeine are coffee, chocolate, soda, tea, coffee beans, espresso beans, coffee grounds, and dietary pills. Just keep any item that may pose a threat to your pet away from its inquisitive nose.

Can I Serve My Dog Decaf Coffee?

No.

Although decaf coffee is safer than regular coffee, it still poses a threat. You have to understand that decaf coffee still contains 3% caffeine, an amount good enough to be lethal for your dog.

A dog sitting next to a mug

Can dogs drink coffee? No. Coffee may give you a kick, but it can be dangerous for your pet.

Tempted as you might be to share your drink, you have to draw the line here to ensure your dog’s safety.

 

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Meet Paul, a devoted dog dad to the delightful French Bulldog, Cofi. With a flair for humor and a deep understanding of Frenchie quirks, Paul brings a lighthearted touch to his writings. His relatable stories and practical insights are a blend of laughter and valuable advice and resonate with fellow dog owners.


Through his words, Paul aims to celebrate the joys and challenges of being a dedicated pet parent, reminding you that life is simply better with a four-legged, snorting sidekick by your side.