Introduction: What if My Dog Drinks Coffee?
It is an undeniable fact that coffee has become a standard beverage for the majority of us. We drink it in the morning to help us wake up, in the afternoon for a boost of energy, and even later in the day for an extra pick me up. While we are aware of the effects it has on us, many dog owners don’t think twice about their pet’s safety and access when it comes to coffee. But what if your dog drinks coffee? Is it safe?
The Effects on Dogs of Drinking Coffee
As caffeine is a stimulant and known to affect us in many ways, it stands to reason that the effects will be similar, if not more powerful, in our canine counterparts. While the effects depend on the amount of coffee ingested and the size of the dog, a general rule of thumb is if your dog ingests coffee it can be life-threatening.
The symptoms that are common when a dog ingests coffee are trembling, heavy panting, restlessness, vomiting with foaming or bloody features, and running a fever. In extreme cases where a large amount has been taken in, the dog can seize and even die from heart failure.
Should I Feed Coffee to My Dog?
The simple answer to this is no. Coffee contains active ingredients like caffeine and other stimulants which can be poisonous to your pet. Of course, if thrown a large quantities, as previously mentioned, it can become deadly for your pet. The other reason why you should never feed coffee to your dog is that it doesn’t contain any of the nutrition that it needs. While some of the chemically-produced coffees may contain a few small amounts of vitamins and minerals, they are nothing compared to the balanced diet your dog should have.
What Should I Do If My Dog Drinks Coffee?
If your dog has drunk coffee, you need to take him to a veterinarian immediately. It is important to explain what has happened and how much the dog has drunk. If you don’t know it for certain, try to describe the amount of coffee and how much time has passed since the ingestion. The vet can diagnose the level of toxicosis and decide if your dog can be treated without any special procedures.
Alternative Drinks for Dogs
If you want to share a sip of something with your furry friend then there are plenty of options that are safe and healthy. Water should always be your first choice as it is an important part of your dog’s diet. Clear broth, puppy formula or even goat’s milk can be given as an occasional treat. You can also give him a few slices of banana, apple or melon which are packed with minerals and vitamins.
Conditioning Your Dog to Not Drink Coffee
You can train your dog not to drink coffee by conditioning him to associate drinking it with negative consequences. For example, when you catch your pet drinking coffee, add a bitter-tasting food to the cup to discourage him from drinking it in the future. You can also condition him to stay away from coffee by using a stern voice or motion each time he approaches it. Additionally, limit his access to coffee and any other potentially dangerous food and liquids.
Coffee Substitutes
There are a number of coffee substitutes that you can give to your pet instead of coffee. These include puppy-safe drinks like thinly boiled eggs, sugar-free coconut and almond milks, freshly made vegetable soups, warm honey water or sugar-free herbal tea. These are all safe alternatives that contain beneficial nutrients and vitamins.
Takeaways
If your dog drinks coffee and shows any signs of distress or discomfort, it is important to take him to the vet immediately, as it can be life threatening. The most important takeaway is to always keep the coffee away from your pet, by either training him or by limiting his access to it. If you want to share a drink with your pooch, then opt for an alternative such as water, broth, puppy formula, fresh fruits or herbal teas.
Coffee and Dogs: The Possible Symptoms
When a dog drinks coffee, the symptoms can range from mild to severe and will depend on the amount and size of the dog that drinks it. Signs of coffee poisoning in dogs include trembling, excessive panting, restlessness, vomiting with signs of foaming, fever and in extreme cases, seizures. If you think your dog has consumed coffee, it’s important to take him to the vet as soon as possible, as the exposure can be life threatening.
What Are the Risks of Giving Coffee to Dogs?
Coffee isn’t just dangerous to dogs. It’s also grown in regions that use pesticides and other harmful substances which can cause health problems in your pet. Additionally, the sweeteners and creamers commonly used with coffee can also be harmful if ingested by a dog, as they can lead to serious dietary issues.
How Can I Make Coffee Less Accessible to My Dog?
To keep your pup safe, it’s important to keep coffee away from your dog. If you’ve trained him not to approach it, be sure to use a stern voice or motion each time he’s caught trying to get near it. Additionally, make sure to store coffee in a place that’s not easy for your dog to get to, such as in the top cupboards.
Conclusion: Is Coffee Safe for Dogs?
In conclusion, coffee is not safe for dogs, and it can even be life threatening if ingested in large quantities. For this reason, it’s important to never let your dog get near coffee and to take extra precautions to make it as inaccessible as possible. If you want to share a drink with your pet, then there are plenty of alternative options like water, puppy formula and fresh fruits that are safe and healthy.
