Can dogs drink coffee?

If you’ve ever asked yourself this question, now is the time to clarify it! Below, you will find out with the Petz blog whether dogs can drink coffee or if this beverage is on the list of prohibited items for the species. Check it out!

Effects of caffeine for dogs

If your biggest doubt is whether dogs can have coffee, the answer is no! Neither dogs nor cats can consume this beverage that is enjoyed by so many owners in the morning.

Coffee is harmful to dogs precisely because of the components and reactions it causes in the animals’ bodies. If caffeine already affects humans so much, imagine the effect on puppies, who can’t even digest all foods well, like we do.

It is important to highlight that caffeine for dogs poses great risks, often not even crossing the minds of owners. The compounds are excessively dangerous for the nervous, urinary, and cardiac systems of dogs.

Moreover, not only the liquid coffee itself is dangerous. Other similar items can also pose risks, such as energy drinks, tablets, candies (and sugar in general), and roasted beans, for example.

Stay alert to symptoms

If, by accident, the dog drank coffee or if you think dogs can have coffee and offered the drink, it is important to keep the animal under observation. The amount that can be harmful varies according to the breed, weight, and size of the dog.

The main signs that something is wrong with the animal are tremors, vomiting, restlessness, accelerated heartbeats, and even epileptic seizures. These reactions commonly appear within two hours, but some organisms are a bit slower.

If you notice that the pet has had coffee and started to show any of these symptoms, seek a veterinarian immediately. They will provide all the necessary guidance for the dog to recover.

Beverages dogs can have

Now that you know that dogs drinking coffee can have serious consequences, you might be a little hesitant to serve other drinks, right? Therefore, seeking information about what is prohibited and allowed for your pet’s diet is important.

Don’t worry, stay calm. There are several beverages that can be offered to the animal and that bring great health benefits. One of them is coconut water, which has high hydration power, few calories, and many nutrients. This option is perfect for serving the animal on hot days or after vomiting and discomfort.

There are several fruits that dogs can eat, so why not offer them in the form of juice? This is allowed as long as the dog can eat that food, but it is always good to remember to offer the drink in its natural form, without sugar or sweeteners.

This is a great way to hydrate the pet by diversifying the flavor. Moreover, if the animal has been eating poorly, it is an option to replenish vitamins and nutrients that are lacking in the body. We are sure they will love this novelty!

Beverages prohibited for dogs

Now that you know you can’t give coffee to dogs, you also need to be attentive to other drinks. Milk is the best example. If offered to the dog, it can cause diarrhea and serious intestinal problems. This is because the stomachs of many of them do not have the enzymes needed to digest lactose.

Thus, the only milk they can drink is from their mother. It has the first nutrients necessary for the pet’s development and, as both animals are of the same species, it does not pose the same risks as cow’s milk.

Therefore, to ensure the dog’s health and a balanced diet, avoid all foods that are toxic, hard to digest, and cause long-term problems. Prohibited drinks for dogs include:

• alcoholic beverages;
• coffee;
• milk;
• mate (traditional South American tea);
• sugary or artificially sweetened juices;
• sodas.

Innovations in dog items

Now that you know dogs can’t drink coffee, whenever someone claims that dogs can have coffee, correct them and don’t let them continue offering this drink to the animal. However, seeing so many limitations, the pet market has evolved and created exclusive formulas for animals.

Chocolates, lollipops, canned birthday cakes, and even Easter eggs made exclusively for dogs bring fun to pets. Despite often being made from foods that the dog already eats, it is a novelty in format even for special celebrations.

The dog beverage industry has not been left behind. There are several new products on the market such as sauces for food, beer, and even wine for the more refined palates.

Since it is false that dogs can drink coffee, it is best to run to the nearest Petz store and fill the cart with other foods and drinks that have been adapted for dogs. Who knows, maybe he’ll enjoy his wine, you’ll enjoy yours, and together, you’ll have a very relaxing weekend?

Now that you know dogs can’t drink coffee, share it with your friends and family so that all their pets can enjoy this delicacy, but always remember to seek the veterinarian’s guidance on this matter.