Is coffee ok for dogs
Coffee poisoning is generally quite rare since owners mainly give their dogs water to drink. However, some animals are very dynamic, it only takes a second of inattention for their snout to be plunged into your cup of coffee. It is important to know that this drink is particularly dangerous, as it is also the case for chocolate, since both foods contain caffeine. We suggest you discover the main known symptoms and the risks involved.
The potential risks of coffee for my dog
Caffeine is known to be an ideal ingredient to boost your daily life. This is also identified in dogs, but because their bodies don't work the same way, palpitations can be dangerous for them. Depending on the dose taken, a heart attack can occur a few hours after ingestion. If no intervention is done, your dog may die.
It is theophylline and theobromine that are harmful. Caffeine is also found in tea and chocolate, two ingredients that should be avoided in your pet's daily life. For the dose to be lethal, it must be above 140 mg/kg. This amount can be reached very quickly, as one gram of coffee bean contains nearly 20 mg of caffeine.
The first symptoms usually appear at least 4 hours and at most 6 hours after ingestion. The dog shows abnormal agitation, even hyperactivity. His breathing becomes more and more important as his heart rate increases. It can also be the target of vomiting, diarrhea and an increase in the volume of urine.
What should I do if my dog has been drinking coffee?
The seriousness of the situation depends mainly on the dose ingested. If it is very small, the risks are not important. However, you should not offer your dog even a teaspoon of coffee. This drink must be removed from his diet. If you have any doubts, a poison control center can give you information as well as your veterinarian. Your veterinarian knows your pet very well and will be able to offer you a consultation. Indeed, the more fragile your four-legged friend's health is, the more important the consequences can be.
What can I replace coffee with if I want to give my dog another drink?
The best solution is water, which can be given at will throughout the day. It is the only drink that does not present any negative health risk for your pet. However, you should avoid all flavored drinks, tea, beer, milk and coffee as we have seen.
Water is also recommended since it maintains a good level of body hydration. The latter is essential during the summer because of the heat. If your pet is reluctant to drink his water, consider changing it regularly. Don't give your pet ice water, but cool water or a large ice cube made from a plastic bottle. This playfulness should satisfy him.
How do I choose the best diet for my dog?
For me, the easiest way is to trust the recognized professionals of the sector. This gives you the assurance to give your dog the right products while simplifying your life. For example, I recommend Ollie products.
It is a company with an excellent reputation that prepares customized recipes for your dog, 100% fresh and delivered directly to your home.
