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Can dogs eat caffeine?

Never let a dog have caffeine. Concentrated sources — coffee grounds, pills, energy drinks — are far more dangerous than a lick of milky tea.

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+1 (888) 426-4435ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center · US · 24/7. A consultation fee applies.
+1 (855) 764-7661Pet Poison Helpline · US · 24/7. A consultation fee applies.
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Do not wait for symptoms and do not try to make your dog sick unless a vet has told you to — some substances cause more damage coming back up. Have your dog's weight, what was eaten, roughly how much, and when, ready before you call.

What to do

Call a vet, with an estimate of the amount and the source. A splash of milky tea from a mug is a different situation from a bag of espresso beans.

Signs to watch for

restlessness and pacing
racing heart
panting
vomiting
muscle tremors
raised blood pressure
seizures

When: 1–2 hours.

What makes it harmful

Caffeine, a methylxanthine

Same class of compound as chocolate's theobromine, acting on the same receptors, but caffeine is more potent. It overstimulates the heart and nervous system.

How much matters

Signs from about 20 mg/kg; serious cardiac and neurological effects above 40–60 mg/kg. Used coffee grounds retain a great deal of caffeine and are a common source, often from a compost heap or bin.

Also check for

compost and bins
energy drinks
diet pills
pre-workout powder

How confident is this

established

Well established in the veterinary literature and consistent across sources.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
Merck Veterinary Manual, Toxicology of Food-Associated Hazards

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Informational only, and not a substitute for veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and this page cannot account for your dog's age, size, health conditions or medication. If you are worried, phone a vet — that call is always the right call.