Should dogs drink coffee
You may have heard someone say their dog loves coffee. This is not as uncommon as you might think. 
Just search Utube for “dog drinking coffee.
However, is it really a healthy thing for them to do. The answer is No, not really.
Caffeine is toxic to dogs. It can be harmful in small doses and it can be seriously harmful in larger doses. Caffeine is not only found in coffee. It is a common substance also in tea, coffee grounds, tea bags, diet pills, and soda. A chemical that is related to caffeine, theobromine is found in chocolate. All of these above substances are toxic to dogs
Caffeine is lethal to dogs at levels of 150mg per kilogram of body weight. The average cup of coffee contains around 100mg of caffeine. Therefore, it is unlikely that a dog will drink enough coffee for it to be life-threatening.
Symptoms and signs of caffeine poisoning in dogs
Caffeine affects the nervous system and heart of dogs. If your dog does drink coffee, even a small quantity watch out for these signs;
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- tremors and shakes
- hyperactivity
- panting
- agitation
- nervousness
- rapid heartbeat
Higher levels of caffeine can even lead to difficulty breathing and Hypothermia seizures.
What to do if your dog has drunk coffee
Any signs of caffeine poisoning will occur after an hour or two of them drinking it. Keep a close eye on
your dog for any of the above symptoms. If you have any concerns consult your vet as soon as possible.
The vet may treat by inducing vomiting, to prevent more caffeine from entering the blood vessels. Do not induce vomiting yourself unless the vet has instructed you to. They may also prescribe anti-seizure pills or other medication to reduce blood pressure.
The consumption of caffeine in small amounts may cause your dog to be mildly affected. When a large portion is consumed the effects could be more serious. This can happen if your dog eats the coffee grounds or filter.
Questions from dog owners
My dog drank coffee. What should I do?
If they have only drunk a small amount of coffee it is probably not a big problem. Just keep an eye on them and watch for any of the above signs of caffeine poisoning. If in doubt, contact your vet
My dog ate coffee grounds. What should I do?
The levels of caffeine in coffee grounds can be highly concentrated. In this situation, I would contact your vet as a precaution.
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