Even small amounts of coffee is toxic to pets, causing restlessness, rapid breathing, a fast heart rate, tremors, and other serious symptoms. Although caffeine is toxic to all pets, dogs are the most frequently intoxicated species due to their indiscriminate eating habits. Any age or breed of dog can be affected. A similar clinical course can also occur in cats if ingestion occurs. It is important to note that caffeine is often found in products containing chocolate (another common pet toxin).
Signs and symptoms of toxicity: vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures. These signs usually occur within 1-2 hours of ingestion.
If you have any reason to suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please contact your veterinarian or one of the other resources* listed:
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline® 24-hour animal poison control service at (855) 764-7661