Can Dogs Drink Coffee? No: Toxic Dose, Symptoms & What to Do

Toxic

No, coffee is toxic to dogs

Coffee contains caffeine, which dogs are far more sensitive to than people. Coffee grounds, beans, pods and espresso are the most dangerous; a lick of a latte is unlikely to cause harm, but caffeine poisoning can cause a racing heart, tremors and seizures.

If your dog ate coffee: call your vet or animal poison control now: ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661. Do not make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.

Coffee for dogs at a glance

Can dogs eat it?	Toxic
Calories	Not recommended as a treat
Main benefit	None for pets
Main risk	Caffeine overstimulates the heart and nervous system
Puppies?	No

Symptoms to watch for

Restlessness and hyperactivity
Vomiting and panting
Racing or irregular heartbeat
Tremors and seizures

Why it is dangerous

Risks

Caffeine overstimulates the heart and nervous system
Grounds, beans and pods are highly concentrated
Signs can start within 1-2 hours and last up to 12 hours or more

How to keep your dog safe

Keep coffee, grounds, beans and pods out of reach
Empty and secure trash cans
Call your vet or poison control if your dog ate grounds, beans or pods

What to do if your dog ate coffee

Work out how much was eaten, when, and your dog's weight. Keep any packaging.
Call your vet or animal poison control now: ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661.
Do not make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Follow your vet's advice even if your dog seems fine: treatment works best before signs start.

Safer treats to give instead

These are safe for dogs in treat-size amounts:

Planning treats? Check your dog's full daily needs with the dog food calculator or dog calorie calculator.

Coffee and dogs: FAQ

Can dogs have coffee?

No. Coffee contains caffeine, which dogs are far more sensitive to than people. Coffee grounds, beans, pods and espresso are the most dangerous; a lick of a latte is unlikely to cause harm, but caffeine poisoning can cause a racing heart, tremors and seizures.

How much coffee is toxic to dogs?

Like chocolate, mild signs can start at about 20 mg of caffeine per kg (9 mg per lb), heart effects at about 40 mg/kg and seizures at about 60 mg/kg. One coffee pod or a tablespoon of grounds can be dangerous for a small dog.

My dog licked my coffee. Is that okay?

A few licks of brewed coffee are unlikely to cause harm in most dogs. Watch for restlessness and call your vet if you are concerned.

Can puppies eat coffee?

No. Puppies are smaller and more vulnerable than adults, so the risks are greater. Call your vet if your puppy ate any.

More "can dogs eat" guides

Browse lists: human foods dogs can eat · foods dogs can't eat

Sources

This guide is general information for healthy adult dogs. Dogs with medical conditions (such as diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease or food allergies) may need different advice from their vet.

Can Dogs Drink Coffee?