Drinks · updated 2026-09-12
Can dogs eat coffee & caffeine?
No. Caffeine poisons dogs.
Why
Caffeine in coffee, tea, energy drinks, coffee grounds and beans raises heart rate and blood pressure and can cause seizures. Used coffee grounds and beans are the most concentrated and most often eaten by dogs.
What to do instead
Never. Keep grounds and beans out of reach and bin them securely.
Symptoms to watch for
Restlessness, panting, racing heart, vomiting, tremors, seizures within 1–2 hours. Emergency.
If your dog has eaten coffee & caffeine, don't wait for symptoms.
Call your vet, or in the US the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661), 24 hours a day. Have the amount, the time and any packaging ready.
And for cats?
Toxic. No. Can cats eat coffee & caffeine? →
Related foods for dogs
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This guide is general information for healthy adult dogs, based on published veterinary guidance (ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline, AKC, VCA). It is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your dog's weight, age and medical history. If you are unsure, ask them before sharing any human food.