For so many of us, our morning brew is what jumpstarts our day. Perhaps you stop at your local coffee shop for a delicious, caffeinated drink and get your dog a small cup of whipped cream as a fun treat. If this becomes routine, your dog may think those cups of coffee that you get for yourself are for them as well, and then maybe they’ll even drink it. What should you do if your dog just drank coffee, and can this harm them?
Is Coffee Dangerous to Dogs?
Coffee contains caffeine and over 90% of Americans have reported consuming caffeine and 75% have caffeine at least once a day. With easier accessibility, the risk of dogs drinking coffee increases relatively. Caffeine is poisonous to dogs. Caffeine poisoning is more dangerous in smaller dogs and can be fatal. A dog’s gastrointestinal system, cardiovascular and nervous systems can be affected after consuming caffeine. Your pup can also lose control of its muscles and suffer tremors and seizures if they drink coffee.
Symptoms of Caffeine Poisoning in Dogs
How do you know if your dog is suffering from caffeine poisoning? There are telltale signs that can tell you if your dog is not well and experiencing caffeine poisoning. These symptoms usually manifest within 1-2 hours after ingestion. Some of these symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Increased heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Restlessness
- Agitation
- Heart arrhythmia
Treatment
If your dog drank coffee and is showing symptoms call Pet Poison Helpline® at (855) 764-7661 and your veterinarian for medical help. Take your pup to the clinic so your vet can administer the correct course of treatment. Your vet may induce vomiting to flush out your dog’s system. Medications can be used to stabilize the circulatory and central nervous systems. In some cases, your dog may require continuous supportive care from your vet, so it may have to stay in the hospital for monitoring.
