What happens if my dog eats coffee grounds?

Coffee grounds can be an appealing snack to our furry friends, but as pet owners, it is important to understand the potential risks that can come with coffee consumption. Coffee contains caffeine, which can have detrimental effects on our pets and can even be fatal in large doses. When our dogs consume coffee grounds, the caffeine can be absorbed into their systems and can cause a host of unpleasant symptoms. In this blog post, we will discuss what happens if your dog eats coffee grounds, so that you can be aware of the risks and take the necessary steps to protect your pet. We will cover the potential signs of caffeine poisoning, how to diagnose the problem, and the best course of treatment. With your help, we can ensure that your pet stays safe and healthy.

Is Coffee Dangerous to Dogs?

Coffee contains caffeine, which is a stimulant. Dogs are much more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than humans are, so while we may need it to get us going in the mornings, your canine friend probably wakes up with a spring in their step and a wag in their tail!

Remember that many other common foods contain caffeine as a hidden ingredient. Along with coffee, it can also be found in tea, cola/soda, energy or sports drinks, chocolate, candy bars, and diet pills, to name a few.

How Much Coffee is Dangerous to Dogs?

The poisonous effects of caffeine are greater in older or sick dogs. Smaller dogs will also react negatively to small doses of caffeine, unlike larger dogs. Just a few teaspoons of coffee grounds, which is enough to make an espresso, would cause symptoms in a medium-sized dog. Fewer than two diet pills can cause death in smaller dogs.

What are the symptoms of eating coffee grounds?

Within two hours, your dog will begin displaying signs of coffee consumption. They may be mild enough to survive without treatment depending on the amount of caffeine, but only your veterinarian can decide on this. Here are advanced symptoms to be on the lookout for:

Hyperactivity – A dog that can’t uncharacteristically stop moving could be suffering under the effects of caffeine.

Erratic behavior – Twitching behavior, incessant barking, and any ongoing out-of-character activity could be caffeine sensitivity.

Anxiety – If your dog just can’t seem to settle showing signs of anxiety, consider that they may have ingested something.

Drooling – Caffeine can trigger drooling as your dog’s body temperature and thirst rise.

Excessive thirst – Canines will naturally start drinking more water in an attempt to flush the toxin.

Elevated body temperature – An elevated heartbeat and raised blood pressure will cause temperatures to spike.

Diarrhea – As caffeine and theobromine work their way through your dog, they are likely to trigger diarrhea and possibly even vomiting.

Increased heart rate – Caffeine will increase your pet’s heart rate, so watch for signs like excessive panting.

Abnormal heart rate – As toxicity levels peak, the chance of an abnormal heart rate rises, which can be fatal or cause lasting damage such as stroke.

Compulsive scratching – Caffeine antagonizes peripheral tissue causing excessive itchiness, especially at high concentrations.

Loss of consciousness – Both caffeine and theobromine spur methylxanthine toxicity which can cause organs and the central nervous system to shut down.

Seizures – Methylxanthine toxicity antagonizes the brain’s natural anticonvulsant adenosine when high toxicity levels are reached, which can trigger fatal seizures.

It’s imperative to take your dog to the vet right away if they exhibit any of these symptoms. It might be necessary to induce vomiting for them to eliminate the caffeine from their systems without risking their lives. The danger has passed, though, and they should be fine if two hours go by with no alarming symptoms.