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No, dogs cannot eat coffee because it is toxic for them. Coffee contains caffeine, which is a dangerous ingredient for dogs – whether it’s coffee beans or drink, ingesting even a small amount of caffeine can trigger caffeine poisoning in your canine, which in some cases can also be lethal.

Coffee
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dangerous

Dangerous: This food is generally considered a serious threat to the health and wellbeing of dogs. Please contact your vet, a veterinary hospital or pet poison control if you suspect your dog has eaten this food recently.

Food Safety  Dangerous
Nutritional Isuse  Caffeine
Lethal Dose  140 mg/kg (63 mg/lb) or less
Positioning Symptoms  Vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, high blood pressure, restlessness
Severe Poisoning Symptoms  Elevated heart rate, tremors, hyperthermia, seizures
Every dog is different. For specific feeding guidelines, including quantities and beneficial foods that are best for your dog, please consult your vet.

How Much Coffee is Dangerous for Dogs

The amount of coffee that is dangerous for dogs depends on the caffeine in the coffee products. If your fur baby takes a few sips from your coffee cup, there isn’t much to worry about because homemade coffee is usually mild and diluted with milk or water – hence the amount of caffeine is less. However, an espresso shot has more caffeine, or if you find your dog consuming coffee beans, then there is something to worry about.

Apart from the amount and type of coffee ingestion, the degree of toxicity also depends on the age and size of your dog. Regardless, 140 mg/kg (63 mg/lb) caffeine can be toxic for dogs – however, anything less is also dangerous.

TIP: To counteract caffeine poisoning instantly, you can induce vomiting in your dog to make caffeine doesn’t absorb in the body. However, it’s always best to rush to the vet and have the pup checked for poisoning symptoms.

Symptoms of Caffeine Poisoning in Dogs

If you find out your dog has ingested coffee or other caffeine-containing products, you need to look out for the following signs and symptoms:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Restlessness
  • Panting
  • Agitation
  • High blood pressure
  • ExcessiveuUrination and thirst

These symptoms usually show 30 to 60 minutes of ingestion. However, in case of ingestion of high amounts of caffeine, your dog is likely to show more serious symptoms of caffeine poisoning that last upto 12 hours to several days. These symptoms include:

  • Elevated heart rate
  • Abnormal heart rhythm
  • Hyperthermia
  • Tremors
  • Seizures

In this case, it’s best to rush your pet to a vet as soon as you first observe the symptoms becuase caffeine poisoning can be lethal in dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Coffee mainly contains caffeine, which is a toxic ingredient for dogs and some cases, can also be lethal.

  • First, determine how much coffee they have ingested. If it’s only a few sips, you shouldn’t worry and wait to observe the symptoms. However, if it is in high amounts, then it’s best to take them to the vet.

  • No, all types of coffee are dangerous for dogs as they contain caffeine which is toxic for them.

About the Writer
Dan Greco , Dog Dad

Having been a dog dad for 5 years, I know how hard it is to make sure your dog gets the right nutrients and stays away from hazardous foods. With the help of a veterinarian who specializes in nutrition, I created this blog to help dog owners quickly access food information they need.

photo of vet holding a pup
About the Contributor
Dr. Hillary Wolfe , Veterinarian & Certified Food Therapist

Dr. Wolfe holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Kansas State University and holds nutrition certifications from the NAVC and CIVT. Her business, Tula Veterinary Nutrition, hosts online courses that teach owners how to cook for their pet for optimal health and longevity. Follow her on Instagram at @doctorwolfe.dvm for dog nutrition tips, recipes and insights.