Coffee
DangerousCaffeine is toxic to dogs in all forms.
Toxicity Level
8/10Why It's Dangerous
Coffee, tea, energy drinks, and caffeine pills are all dangerous. Effects similar to chocolate toxicity.
The Science
Caffeine (methylxanthine)Coffee, tea, energy drinks, and caffeine pills all contain caffeine, a methylxanthine compound closely related to theobromine in chocolate. Dogs are significantly more sensitive to caffeine than humans. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and heart, and inhibits phosphodiesterase, increasing cyclic AMP levels. This causes restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, and in severe cases, seizures. The half-life of caffeine in dogs is approximately 4.5 hours.
Sources
- •Merck Veterinary Manual — Caffeine Toxicosis
- •ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
- •Clinical Veterinary Toxicology
Dosage & Thresholds
The toxic dose of caffeine in dogs is 140mg/kg, and the lethal dose is around 150-200mg/kg. A cup of coffee contains 80-100mg of caffeine. Coffee grounds and beans are far more concentrated: a tablespoon of coffee grounds contains roughly 60-80mg of caffeine. Energy drinks can contain 150-300mg per can. A single caffeine pill (200mg) could be dangerous for dogs under 15kg.
Symptoms to Watch For
If your dog has ingested coffee
Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal poison hotline immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a vet.
callFind Emergency Vet