Can dogs drink coffee like we humans usually do? We’ve talked about the effects chocolate ingestion has on dogs, but would caffeine be bad for them?

 

We know a lot of pet owners who are also avid coffee fans, but that doesn’t mean they can share a cup with their dogs! Coffee is not advisable for our canine friends, though ingesting it in small amounts won’t immediately result in death, it can still make them ill. In this article, we’ll take a deeper dive into why pet health experts strongly advise against giving dogs coffee or tea, mainly due to their caffeine content.

 

 

WHY IS CAFFEINE BAD FOR DOGS?

 

Caffeine is a stimulant, that’s why it helps us stay awake for longer periods. The average human body can tolerate no more than 400 mg of caffeine in a single day. However, dogs (or any pet for that matter) can’t absorb caffeine because of their smaller size – a mere 14 mg of caffeine per pound of their body weight is enough for symptoms of toxicity to occur. Aside from coffee, caffeine can also be found in tea, energy drinks, diet pills, and soda. When measured in 8-ounce servings, brewed coffee contains around 95-165 mg of caffeine, tea has approximately 25-48 mg, soda has 24-46 mg, and an energy drink contains 27-164 mg.

 

If your dog accidentally licks a drop of coffee or any caffeinated beverage, it is likely not enough to affect him in any way. But if they ingest whole coffee beans or used tea bags, that’s when it can become potentially dangerous for them as it can instantly cause toxicosis. It can take approximately 30 minutes for the stimulant to be absorbed in their bloodstream and reach high toxicity levels.

puppacino for dog

 

But what about the viral Starbucks Puppuccino?

 

We’re sure some of you fur parents want to know more about it before getting one for your pup.

 

The popular coffee chain included in its secret menu its special “brew” for dogs: the Puppuccino.

 

If you are curious and want to purchase a Starbucks Puppuccino for your dog, there is absolutely no need to worry about your dog being poisoned by it. This treat is made only with whipped cream sans the coffee (if your dog is lactose intolerant or has any other digestive issues, it could be a different story, though). It can’t be ordered from the Starbucks app and is only available in stores, but you can always hit up the drive-through. Simply tell your barista that you have your dog with you and you’d like a Puppuccino along with your drink — they’ll know exactly what you want, and give it to you free of charge! Having a Puppuccino will let your dog feel like they’re not missing out on the espresso fun.

 

dog sniffing coffee
Photo from: dogingtonpost.com

 

SYMPTOMS OF CAFFEINE POISONING IN DOGS

 

Upon ingesting significant amounts of caffeine, your dog’s heart rate would immediately shoot up. This can cause rapid breathing and increased blood pressure. Other common symptoms include panting, hyperactivity, vomiting, hyperthermia or elevated body temperature, being jittery, and restlessness. Seizures and tremors are also imminent if medical attention is not sought immediately. Depending on the dose of caffeine ingested, your dog may also develop cardiac arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat which could quickly lead to death.

 

dog and coffee
Photo from: blog.myollie.com

 

We came across a caffeine ingestion survival story from subscriber The Wandering Mariner on YouTube. He recalled the time when his dog, a then 16-week-old miniature schnauzer, ingested a third’s worth of coffee from a cup he left on the table. The dog lapped the coffee to his heart’s content; by the time his owner found out, the pup already had coffee dripping from his furry face. The fur dad immediately contacted the vet and he was told that if the dog didn’t eat coffee grounds, he was probably going to be fine. The vet advised him to monitor the dog for any new symptoms that may show up; the poor pup was peeing everywhere in the house (caffeine is a known diuretic) and was very alert, almost making it impossible to calm him down.

 

Thankfully, the dog didn’t have to be taken to the clinic and was able to recuperate quickly. His owner reminded other fur parents of the dangers of caffeine to dogs, but if they accidentally ingest some, don’t panic and call your dog’s health provider right away.

 

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG INGESTS COFFEE

 

The immediate effects of caffeine toxicity vary depending on the size of your dog. Smaller breeds like Shih Tzus or French bulldogs are more quickly affected compared to larger dogs like German shepherds and Siberian huskies.

 

Coffee beans and grounds as well as used tea bags contain extremely high concentrations of caffeine that are fatal to dogs, so these must be kept out of their paws’ reach at all times. Install safety gates on various entry points around your house so you could better keep an eye out for your dog, and avoid leaving cups of coffee or tea on surfaces they can easily reach.

 

Contact your veterinarian immediately and go to the nearest clinic for the proper course of action and treatment. The doctor may induce vomiting and administer IV fluids to flush out the remaining caffeine from your dog’s system. Medications may also be given to help their heart rate and blood pressure return to normal levels, and prevent further seizures from happening. You may be asked to wait and closely monitor your dog for the next 24-48 hours, as this is the time frame when caffeine is expected to be eliminated completely from their body.

 

dog on table with coffee
Photo by Fabrício Lira from Pexels

 

IT’S A NO FOR A CUPPA JOE

 

So can dogs drink coffee? Absolutely not!

 

But like what we’ve mentioned above, there are other alternatives to it that don’t have to put your dog’s health in danger, such as the Starbucks Puppuccino or any other treats suitable for them. Just be sure to err on the side of caution and do your own research on the food and drink you give your pup. That way, you can always keep them safe, healthy, and happy.

 

Dogs are not like us humans who could turn to coffee for jumpstarting our mornings — our pets could pay the cost with their lives, so it’s best to keep them away from it for their own sake.

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I Love My Dog So Much is an American-Based Online Magazine Focused On Dogs, Including Entertainment, Wellness, Educational Resources For Pet Owners, Advocacy, And Animal Rescue.

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