Can Dogs Have Caffeine?

No, dogs should not consume caffeine. Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in various plants, including coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa beans, and kola nuts. It's known for its ability to boost alertness and temporarily alleviate drowsiness. 

Caffeine affects dogs more significantly than humans due to differences in metabolism and sensitivity to the stimulant. The key reasons for the heightened impact of caffeine on dogs include:

• Metabolism Differences: Dogs metabolise caffeine much more slowly than humans. This leads to a prolonged presence of caffeine in their system, intensifying its effects.
• Lack of Enzymes: Dogs have limited enzymes that break down caffeine in their liver. As a result, caffeine accumulates in their body, leading to an increased toxic load.
• Heightened Sensitivity: Dogs' central nervous system is more sensitive to the stimulant properties of caffeine. This sensitivity can result in an array of adverse reactions even with small amounts.
• Smaller Size: Dogs are typically smaller than humans, making them more susceptible to the effects of caffeine. A small dose that might be insignificant to a human can have a severe impact on a dog.
• Absorption Rate: Caffeine is rapidly absorbed into a dog's bloodstream, causing swift and potent effects. This rapid absorption contributes to the intensity of the response.

Table of Contents

• What are the symptoms of dogs having caffeine?
• What food and drinks containing caffeine are harmful to dogs?
• How much caffeine is toxic to dogs?
• Can dogs safely have a cup of decaffeinated tea?
• What to do if your dog has caffeine?
• What Are Alternative Safe Natural Treats for Dogs?

What are the symptoms of dogs having caffeine?

When a dog consumes caffeine, they can exhibit a variety of symptoms that indicate caffeine poisoning. The severity of these symptoms can vary depending on factors such as the dog's size, the amount of caffeine ingested, and their individual sensitivity.

• Restlessness and Agitation: Dogs may become excessively restless, anxious, and unable to settle down.
• Elevated Heart Rate: Caffeine can cause an increase in heart rate (tachycardia), leading to a pounding heart and palpitations.
• Tremors and Shaking: Dogs may experience muscle tremors, shaking, or shivering, especially noticeable in their limbs.
• Vomiting and Diarrhoea: Ingesting caffeine can irritate the stomach lining, causing vomiting and diarrhoea.
• Panting and Rapid Breathing: Dogs might exhibit excessive panting and rapid, shallow breathing.
• Hyperactivity: Dogs may display increased energy levels, pacing, and difficulty sitting still.
• Seizures: Higher doses of caffeine can trigger seizures, which can range from mild to severe.
• Increased Body Temperature: Caffeine consumption can lead to an elevated body temperature, causing hyperthermia.
• Aggression or Irritability: Dogs might become unusually aggressive, irritable, or overly reactive.
• Collapse or Weakness: In severe cases, dogs may collapse, experience muscle weakness, or even go into shock.

The onset of symptoms after a dog consumes caffeine can vary depending on factors such as the dog's size, the amount of caffeine ingested, and their individual sensitivity. In general, symptoms of caffeine poisoning in dogs can start to appear within 1 to 2 hours after ingestion.

However, it's important to note that some symptoms, particularly milder ones like restlessness or increased heart rate, might become noticeable sooner, while more severe symptoms like seizures or collapse may take a bit longer to develop.

What food and drinks containing caffeine are harmful to dogs?

Several common foods and drinks that contain caffeine are harmful to dogs and should be strictly avoided to prevent caffeine poisoning.

• Coffee: Coffee is one of the most concentrated sources of caffeine. Even small amounts of coffee can be dangerous for dogs.
• Tea: Tea leaves contain caffeine, and various types of tea can have different caffeine levels. It's best to keep all types of tea away from dogs.
• Energy Drinks: Energy drinks are extremely high in caffeine and often contain other stimulants. They can lead to severe health issues in dogs.
• Fizzy Drinks: Soft drinks like colas and some flavoured beverages contain caffeine. These should not be given to dogs.
• Chocolate: Chocolate contains both caffeine and theobromine, both of which are toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate has higher levels and is more dangerous.
• Cocoa Products: Cocoa powder, cocoa beans, and foods made with cocoa, like baked goods, can all pose risks due to their caffeine content.
• Caffeinated Medications: Some over-the-counter medications and supplements, especially those formulated for humans, may contain caffeine. It's essential to consult a veterinarian before giving any medications to dogs.
• Coffee Beans and Grounds: Even the raw beans and grounds used to make coffee are toxic to dogs and should be kept out of their reach.
• Coffee-Flavoured Foods: Foods flavoured with coffee, such as ice creams or desserts, can also contain caffeine and should be avoided.
• Certain Herbal Supplements: Some herbal supplements and weight loss products may contain caffeine-like compounds that can be harmful to dogs.

It's crucial to be vigilant and read labels carefully. Additionally, never assume that a small amount of caffeine is safe for dogs; their sensitivity to the stimulant is much higher than in humans.

How much caffeine is toxic to dogs?

The amount of caffeine that is toxic to dogs can vary based on factors such as the dog's size, weight, breed, and individual sensitivity. Dogs are much more sensitive to caffeine than humans, and even relatively small amounts can lead to serious health issues. As a general guideline, ingestion of about 40 milligrams of caffeine per kg of body weight can be toxic to dogs. 

To put this into perspective:

For a small dog weighing around 5kg, consuming as little as 200 milligrams of caffeine could be harmful.

For a medium-sized dog weighing 10kg pounds, approximately 600 milligrams of caffeine could lead to toxicity.

For a larger dog weighing 30 kg, around 1400 milligrams of caffeine might be toxic.

To give you an idea of caffeine content in common items:

A cup of brewed coffee typically contains 80-100 milligrams of caffeine.

A standard energy drink can have 100-200 milligrams or more of caffeine.

It's important to remember that caffeine is found in various forms and concentrations in different products, so there is no exact "safe" dose. Because of the unpredictable nature of individual dog responses, it's best to completely avoid exposing your dog to caffeine-containing substances.

Can dogs safely have a cup of decaffeinated tea?

While decaffeinated tea contains significantly lower levels of caffeine compared to regular tea, it's still advisable to avoid giving any type of tea, even decaffeinated, to dogs. The reason is that tea leaves contain compounds other than caffeine, such as theobromine and tannins, which can also be harmful to dogs.

Theobromine, found in tea leaves and particularly abundant in chocolate, can be toxic to dogs even in small amounts. Tannins, on the other hand, can lead to gastrointestinal upset, affecting digestion and absorption of nutrients.

To ensure your dog's safety and well-being, it's best to avoid offering tea, whether it's caffeinated or decaffeinated.

What to do if your dog has caffeine?

If you suspect that your dog has ingested food or drink containing caffeine, it's important to take immediate action to ensure your dog's safety.

Collect Information: Try to determine what type of caffeinated food or beverage your dog may have consumed and whether any other ingredients were involved.

Contact Your Veterinarian: Call your veterinarian as soon as possible. Describe the situation, what has been consumed, and any symptoms your dog might be experiencing.

Monitor for Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your dog's behaviour and health. Look for signs of weakness, vomiting, tremors, incoordination, lethargy, or any other unusual behaviours.

Do Not Induce Vomiting: Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian. Some toxins can be more harmful if brought back up.

Follow Veterinary Advice: Based on the information you provide, your veterinarian will guide you on the best course of action. They may ask you to bring your dog in for evaluation and treatment.

Treatment: Depending on the situation and the severity of symptoms, your veterinarian may administer fluids, medications to control symptoms, and other necessary treatments.

The prognosis for caffeine poisoning that has been promptly and properly treated by a veterinarian is generally favourable. With swift intervention and appropriate medical care, most dogs can recover from caffeine poisoning without experiencing long-term effects. 

What Are Alternative Safe Natural Treats for Dogs?

To keep your dog away from unsuitable caffeinated treats, source natural, safe and healthy treats that do not contain artificial flavourings or preservatives.  Natural dog treats and chews are the best way to keep your dog occupied and out of trouble.

Pigs Ears

Pigs Ears are one of the original natural chews on the market. Pigs Ears are dried naturally to create a long lasting chew packed with flavour. Avoid ears marketed as ‘smoked’, this natural treat doesn’t need anything adding to make it tasty.

Biscuit Bites

Biscuit Bites are grain and gluten free, making them a wholesome and healthy dog biscuit (just don’t let your pooch dunk them in your coffee…!). Available in several different flavours.

For any further help and advice please contact us on 01484 246420 and why not join our social media channels and online community on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok.

With Wags and Woofs,

Laura, Dolly, Reggie & Bear