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Coffee and caffeine
caffeine tablets, energy drinks
A professional reference for veterinary specialists. It does not replace clinical judgement.
Species and toxic dose
| Species | Risk | Toxic dose |
|---|---|---|
| Dog | Toxic | Canine LD50 about 140 mg/kg caffeine. Where caffeine and theobromine are eaten together (chocolate), mild signs from about 20 mg/kg of the two combined, severe at 40-50 mg/kg, seizures at about 60 mg/kg. Scientific article A study or review published in a scientific journal. Its findings apply to the animals and conditions it studied. |
| Cat | Toxic | Not established in the open sources |
Toxic principle
Caffeine, a methylxanthine. The coffee itself and caffeine tablets or drinks are the sources.
Onset
Within hours. In a reported dog that ate meat laced with caffeine pills, death followed about 2 hours after vomiting began.
Clinical signs
Vomiting, diarrhoea, panting, increased thirst, hyperactivity, tachycardia and arrhythmias, tremors, seizures, sudden cardiac death.
Organs affected
Heart, central nervous system, digestive tract.
Treatment principle (for veterinarians)
Managed like other methylxanthine poisoning: early decontamination by the veterinarian (emesis or gastric lavage, then repeated activated charcoal), intravenous fluids, frequent emptying of the bladder, and control of tremors, seizures and arrhythmias.
A summary of the principles in the sources, not a protocol: doses and the plan are the treating veterinarian's decision.
Sources
- Scientific article. Reggeti F, et al. Sudden cardiac death due to caffeine toxicosis in a dog. AHL Newsletter, University of Guelph 28(4):26 2024
- Reference book. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. People foods to avoid feeding your pets. aspca.org
- Scientific article. Cortinovis C, Caloni F. Household food items toxic to dogs and cats. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 3:26 2016
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This reference is still growing. Missing a product? Let us know. · Report an error or request an addition · Updated: 22 Oct 2026