Why You Shouldn't Give Your Dog Coffee
Why You Shouldn't Give Your Dog Coffee Coffee is a beloved beverage for humans, but it poses severe health risks to dogs. This article explores why coffee is toxic to dogs, symptoms of caffeine poisoning, and the necessary steps to protect your pet. Key Reasons Coffee Is Toxic to Dogs Caffeine and Methylxanthines: Coffee contains caffeine and trace amounts of theobromine, both harmful to dogs. These compounds overstimulate dogs' central nervous and cardiovascular systems, leading to hyperactivity, tremors, and potentially fatal arrhythmias. Toxic Dose: Toxicity begins at just 20 mg/kg of caffeine, with doses over 100-200 mg/kg being lethal. For example, a single cup of brewed coffee (95 mg of caffeine) can seriously harm a small dog weighing 5 kg (11 lbs). Symptoms of Caffeine Poisoning in Dogs Symptoms typically develop within 1-2 hours of ingestion and vary in severity: Mild: Restlessness, hyperactivity, pacing. Moderate: Vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart...