Are dogs okay to drink coffee? If your dog steals a sip of your spilled coffee or if they end up eating the coffee grounds you dumped in the garbage, you might be concerned about this.
Can dogs legally drink coffee if humans can do so?
The quick answer is that it’s not safe for dogs to drink coffee. In fact, you should absolutely refrain from allowing your dog consume coffee because it could have very negative, even fatal, effects.
Taking Care of Dogs Who Ate Coffee
Between one and two hours after consuming caffeine, symptoms of caffeine intoxication start to manifest.
There’s no urgent need to fear if your dog accidentally ingested some caffeine. Just keep a look out for any of the aforementioned signs in Fido.
Fido may need to be taken to an emergency vet right away if he drank a lot of coffee or shows symptoms of significant caffeine toxicity.
There isn’t a specific treatment for caffeine intoxication, although a veterinarian may:
- Give anti-seizure medication
- Make the patient vomit in order to stop more caffeine from reaching the blood vessels
- Treat with blood pressure-lowering medicine
Is Dog Safe To Drink Decaf Coffee?
You might be concerned about the safety of decaf coffee given that caffeine is the cause in this case. Giving your dog decaf beverages is not a good idea, which is the short answer to this question.
While decaf coffee still includes traces of caffeine, it might be safer for dogs to consume it in moderation.
How Do I Handle a Coffee-Eating Dog?
What should you do after identifying the signs of caffeine toxicity? The first step is to determine how much espresso your dog had actually consumed before you sound the alarms.
This is crucial if you have small dogs because they won’t need to eat as much to have a bad reaction.
You can check to see how much your dog has actually consumed if you suspect that they have been rummaging through the garbage for coffee grounds.
You’ll have a fair indication of how much they’ve consumed if you leave a full cup of coffee and come back to find it empty.
Calling your neighbourhood veterinarian’s office is always the next step, even if you’re unsure of the precise sum.
Depending on the dog’s weight and the amount of coffee consumed, your veterinarian can assist you in determining how serious the risk of caffeine poisoning is for your dog.
What Causes Dogs to Drink Coffee?
Dogs are inherently inquisitive animals who will sample any treats they can find. They will occasionally consume dung, grass, rocks, paper towels, and even toilet paper.
Why wouldn’t they be drawn to the aroma of your morning cup of joe if they’ll even drink from the toilet?
Dogs have had more opportunity to encounter household pet risks as more people spend more time at home.
The number of calls involving coffee that was brewed has increased by 220 percent, according to the Pet Poison Helpline.
Caffeine Poisoning Symptoms
Caffeine toxicity usually manifests itself 30 to 60 minutes after use. The duration of the symptoms can range from 12 hours to multiple days.
You must keep an eye out for any of the following signs in your dog:
- Hyperthermia (raised body temperature)
- Agitation
- Restlessness
- Vomiting
- Panting
- Elevated heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Abnormal heart rhythms
How to Handle a Dog Who Has Eaten Coffee Beans or Grounds
Call your veterinarian right away. Without your veterinarian’s guidance and approval, never attempt to induce vomiting on your own as this could lead to other issues.
It is considerably worse to your dog to eat coffee grounds or beans than it is to consume coffee. Compared to coffee grounds, brewed coffee is significantly more diluted.
Any dog, regardless of size, can get seriously harmed by ingesting even a little amount of coffee seeds or grounds.
Treatment of Caffeine Poisoning
If your dog drinks coffee, call your vet right away at (855) 764-7661 or the Pet Poison Helpline. The likelihood and degree of their caffeine intoxication will depend on how much coffee they consume.
You shouldn’t try to make yourself vomit on your own because doing so can lead to more serious medical issues.
The caffeine will not completely exit your dog’s system for a day or two. Keep a close eye on your pet to look for any new signs. Future medical treatment will be suggested by your veterinarian.
Conclusion
Dogs are particularly sensitive to caffeine, which is abundant in your favourite cup of joe. Keep in mind that coffee is a stimulant that can harm most animals, especially dogs and cats.
Caffeine’s stimulant effects can cause seizures, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal problems (such as nausea and diarrhoea), and even death.