When it comes to coffee, many people are devoted to their daily mug. We purchase specialty coffee, add creamer, and maybe even a few tablespoons of sugar. But the last thing someone might think about adding to coffee is canine companionship! Dogs might be interested in how your morning cup of joe tastes, but is it safe for them to join your morning routine?
That question has been debated time and time again. On one side, pet parents might argue that dogs may benefit from the great smell and taste of coffee. On the other, some might argue it’s too stimulating for the pup and too full of caffeine for a safe drink. So what is the answer?
Many experts recommend dog owners avoid giving their pups iced coffee or any other caffeinated beverages. Dogs can feel the effects of caffeine more severely than humans do, as it can cause an increase in their heart rates, jitteriness, disorientation, and hyperactivity. So, when it comes to your pup, even one cup of iced coffee could increase their blood pressure and leave them feeling wired.
It’s also a good idea to avoid feeding iced coffee to pets because the added sugar and artificial sweeteners can be incredibly unhealthy for them. Even though sugar isn’t toxic to our canine friends, it has been linked to diabetes, which is a life-threatening disease. So if you’re wondering if you can share your cup of iced coffee with your pup, it’s best to just leave them out of it.
While iced coffee is not suitable for dogs, there may be other drinks more suitable as an alternative. Water is always an excellent choice and is essential for proper hydration. Milk is a safe, healthier option if you want to spoil your pup. Adding a little bit of honey and beneficial natural supplements such as cod liver oil, probiotics, omega-3 fat, and antioxidants to the milk can increase its health benefits too.
But with iced coffee out of the question, pet owners may still want to spoil their doggo with a little something special. Making a homemade doggy shake is one great way to give your pup a treat. Simply mix a few tablespoons of plain yogurt, a tablespoon of peanut butter, a teaspoon of honey, and two tablespoons of spinach into a blender with some ice cubes and blend until it’s smooth. Dogs will love it while also getting the added health benefits of the yogurt, peanut butter, and spinach.
Finally, if you’re still looking for something special for your pup, a Pup Cup is the perfect way to say “I love you” and provide a healthy snack or drink without caffeine or any added sugars or sweeteners. Pup Cups are non-alcoholic drinks specifically made for pets with all-natural ingredients like apple juice, coconut water, and yogurt.
The Benefits of Giving your Dog A Non-Caffeinated Drink
It’s always a good idea to give your pup something to drink, especially after exercising or playing in the hot sun. And when it comes to canine hydration, it’s essential to provide a balanced, safe, and healthy alternative to iced coffee. Non-caffeinated drinks offer a variety of benefits, including increasing energy levels, removing toxins from the body, aiding in digestion, and promoting better overall health and wellbeing.
They can also provide essential vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. These vitamins and minerals can improve your pup’s skin and coat health, improve their bone strength, and help them fight against viruses and infections. Non-caffeinated drinks can even aid in the recovery process after illnesses or injuries, as they can help to restore the body’s electrolyte balance and increase energy levels.
And of course, one of the most important benefits of giving your dog non-caffeinated drinks is that it can help promote proper kidney function. Caffeine is actually rather hard on a dog’s kidneys, and when given to them in high doses, it can be incredibly dangerous. Non-caffeinated drinks won’t pose a risk to your pup’s vital organs, meaning they can enjoy a drink while also staying safe and healthy.
Healthy Alternatives to Iced Coffee for Dogs
If you’re looking for a drink that isn’t caffeinated that you can give your pup, there are plenty of options available. Dog-friendly drinks can include water, milk, and some natural juices that don’t contain added sugars or sweeteners.
Many companies now also offer specialized pet drinks, such as Pup Cups, which are specifically made with non-alcoholic ingredients such as apple juice, coconut water, yogurt, and other natural elements. These types of drinks can be a healthier and tastier alternative to iced coffee for your pup.
Another great option is homemade shakes or smoothies. This is a fantastic way for pet owners to give their doggos something special without having to worry about caffeine, sugar, or artificial sweeteners.
Making a homemade doggy shake is as simple as adding a few tablespoons of plain yogurt, a tablespoon of peanut butter, a teaspoon of honey, and two tablespoons of spinach into a blender with some ice cubes. After blending, your pup can enjoy a nutritious, tasty drink while you enjoy your cup of iced coffee!
Signs of Caffeine Intoxication in Dogs
Even though it’s best to avoid giving your pup caffeinated drinks, accidents can still happen. If your pup did ingest a caffeinated drink, such as iced coffee, it’s important to watch for signs of intoxication. Watch for symptoms such as excessive energy, restlessness, panting, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you believe your pup has ingested a caffeinated drink, it’s best to seek prompt medical attention to prevent any long-term issues.
It’s also a good idea to contact your veterinarian if your pup is experiencing any of these symptoms. They can advise you on how to best proceed and will be able to provide the necessary medical care if needed.
Conclusion
All pet owners want the best for their pup and to provide them with the healthiest options. However, when it comes to coffee, it’s best to keep your furry friends away from it and opt for a safe, non-caffeinated drink as an alternative. Dog-friendly beverages like Pup Cups, homemade doggy shakes, and natural juices can be a great way to keep your pup healthy and hydrated.
Dealing with Caffeine Overdose in Dogs
Although, it’s best to avoid giving your pup any caffeinated beverages, it’s important to know how to deal with a caffeine overdose. If your pup has ingested an excess amount of caffeine, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Veterinarians can diagnose and treat caffeine intoxication appropriately and can recommend a medical treatment plan.
Depending on the severity, treatment could involve providing activated charcoal to reduce absorption, providing intravenous fluids to flush out excess caffeine, administering medications to manage symptoms and restoring electrolyte balance, or providing oxygen therapy to help in breathing difficulties. If necessary, they may also induce vomiting to reduce further absorption.
It’s also important to note that once your pup has consumed caffeine, the effects may not be seen for several hours. Monitoring your pup for any unusual behavior is the best way to identify if your pup has suffered from caffeine overdose. If you notice any changes in behavior, visit the vet immediately.
Preventing Caffeine Intoxication in Dogs
Above all, the best way to prevent caffeine intoxication in dogs is to eliminate any caffeinated drinks from their environment. If possible, keep all caffeinated beverages out of their reach and talk to other members of your household to ensure they are aware and understand the potential dangers of giving caffeinated beverages to pets. If there are coffee-lovers in your home, make sure they’re taking coffee breaks somewhere away from your pup to ensure their safety.
It’s also a good idea to hang up signs to remind everyone to keep caffeinated drinks away from pets to minimize the risk of accidental ingestion. Additionally, if you are ever in doubt, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Conclusion
Can dogs drink iced coffee? The answer is simply-no. Caffeine can be incredibly damaging to canines and can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms. Many experts recommend dog owners avoid giving their pups iced coffee or any other caffeinated beverages. But with that being said, there are plenty of non-caffeinated alternatives available like dog-specific drinks, milk, natural juices, and homemade doggy shakes that you can give your pup for a healthy and safe treat.
