Quick answer: No, dogs should not have coffee. Caffeine is toxic to dogs and cats, which are more sensitive to it than people, according to Pet Poison Helpline. A lick or two of coffee is unlikely to poison most pets, but coffee grounds, beans, tea bags and caffeine pills can cause serious poisoning. If your dog eats any, call your vet or a pet poison line.
Sharing food with a dog is tempting, but coffee is one thing to keep to yourself. Here is why caffeine is dangerous for pets, which coffee products are riskiest, what symptoms to watch for, and what to do if your dog gets into your coffee.
In this guide 5 sections
Is coffee bad for dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists coffee and caffeine alongside chocolate on its list of people foods to avoid feeding pets. All three contain methylxanthines, and the higher the caffeine content, the greater the risk. Pet Poison Helpline says dogs and cats appear to be more sensitive to caffeine than people, so a dose you wouldn’t notice can affect a small dog.
What are the symptoms of caffeine poisoning in dogs?
According to the ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline, signs can include:
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Panting, excessive thirst and urination
- Hyperactivity and restlessness
- Changes in heart rate and rhythm, and in blood pressure
- Tremors and seizures
In severe cases caffeine poisoning can be fatal. How badly a pet is affected depends on how much it ate and how big it is.
Can a dog eat coffee beans or coffee grounds?
No, and these are the bigger danger. Pet Poison Helpline says one or two licks of coffee, tea or soda is unlikely to poison most pets, but eating unused coffee grounds or beans, tea bags or caffeine supplements could cause serious toxicity. Large sweet coffee drinks with cream can also attract pets and may contain extra espresso shots.
Keep bags of beans and ground coffee out of reach, empty coffee makers and pod machines, and put used grounds and pods in a bin your dog can’t open. If you use spent grounds in the garden (see uses for used coffee grounds), keep dogs away from those spots. Chocolate-covered espresso beans are a double risk.
What should you do if your dog drinks coffee or eats coffee grounds?
- Work out what and how much your dog had: a sip of coffee, grounds, beans, pods or pills, and roughly how much. The ASPCA asks owners to note the amount eaten.
- Call your vet or a pet poison line straight away, even if your dog seems fine. Pet Poison Helpline is available 24/7 at (855) 764-7661 and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Pet Poison Helpline charges an incident fee.
- Don’t try home remedies or make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
- Go to an emergency vet if your dog shows symptoms such as tremors, seizures, a racing heart or collapse.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs have decaf coffee?
It’s still best not to. Decaf has much less caffeine, but it isn’t caffeine-free, and there’s no benefit to your dog. Fresh water is all they need.
My dog licked my coffee. Should I worry?
Pet Poison Helpline says one or two licks of coffee is unlikely to cause poisoning in most pets. If your dog drank more, is very small, or you see any symptoms, call your vet or a poison line.
Is coffee bad for cats too?
Yes. Cats are also more sensitive to caffeine than people, and the same products (grounds, beans, tea bags and supplements) are the main risks.
Coffee may suit people (see is coffee good for you?), but keep it away from your pets.
This article is for general information and isn’t medical or veterinary advice. If you think your pet has eaten something toxic, contact a vet or a pet poison helpline.