What Can Happen If Your Dog Drinks Coffee?

Coffee is a source of caffeine, which in large amounts can be very dangerous to dogs. How much is too much depends on many factors, such as the size of your pets and whether your dog only lapped the coffee or actually ingested coffee grounds, which contain a much higher amount of caffeine. According to Provet, caffeine is lethal at a dose of 150 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight. A cup of percolated coffee can contain up to 100 mg of caffeine, depending on brand. Decaf coffee is safe.

The first signs of caffeine poisoning appear one to two hours after ingestion. Depending on how much coffee your dog consumed, the symptoms could go from mild inconveniences to a severe, rush-to-the-vet emergency. Common signs of a coffee overdose include vomiting, tremors, restlessness and rapid heart rate. In severe cases, seizures can appear. It's possible for dogs to collapse if high amounts of caffeine have been ingested.

There's no antidote for caffeine poisoning in dogs, so the best you -- or your vet -- can do is induce vomiting. Only do this if you think your dog has consumed a lot of coffee -- lapping at your coffee cup a few times doesn't count. In serious cases, your vet might give your pet anti-seizure medication or drugs to lower blood pressure. Your pet might also need to be sedated and stay in the hospital under observation until all symptoms have disappeared.

Caffeine is present in a number of items, not just coffee. So if your dog ate a tea bag or swallowed some diet pills, the danger can be just as great as if he drank your morning cup of coffee. Other products that contain caffeine include energy drinks, soda and coffee-flavored products such as ice cream or candy.