You scold them, and they give you those big puppy dog eyes that make it hard to stay mad, but then you wonder, what is the effect of decaf coffee on dogs?
So, can dogs have decaf coffee?
Dogs shouldn’t drink decaf coffee because it contains traces of caffeine.
While the amount of caffeine in decaf coffee is significantly lower than regular coffee, it’s still enough to potentially cause adverse effects in your pup.
Symptoms of caffeine toxicity in dogs include restlessness, increased heart rate, increased urination, panting, and vomiting.
If you think your dog has consumed too much caffeine, it’s essential to contact your veterinarian immediately.
In this article, we’ll discuss the effects of decaf coffee on dogs, including symptoms of caffeine toxicity and what to do if your dog consumes too much caffeine.
What Happens If My Dog Drinks Decaf Coffee?
Decaf coffee contains small amounts of caffeine, which affects the following organs in dogs:
The central nervous system
The cardiovascular system
The gastrointestinal tract
The urinary tract.
Let’s discuss how each of the above systems is affected by caffeine.
The Central Nervous System
Although caffeine in decaf coffee is significantly lower than in regular coffee, dogs can still experience adverse effects.
It stimulates the central nervous system (CNS), which leads to restlessness and hyperactivity. In addition, it causes an increased heart rate and panting.
Hyperactive dogs are more prone to accidents and injuries.
For instance, they may run into the street without looking, or jump off a high ledge.
If your dog is normally calm and you notice them acting differently after drinking decaf coffee, it’s important to contact your veterinarian.
The Cardiovascular System
Caffeine also speeds up the heart rate and can cause arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).
In severe cases, it leads to a heart attack.
If your dog has consumed too much caffeine, it’s essential to monitor their heart rate and contact your veterinarian if you notice any irregularities.
Typically, dogs’ heart rate should be between 60-90 beats per minute; but after drinking decaf coffee, it may increase to over 100 beats per minute.
In puppies and small breeds, the heart rate may increase to 160 beats per minute.
If your dog has a pre-existing heart condition, it may be more susceptible to the effects of caffeine.
In severe caffeine toxicity cases, dogs may experience seizures and collapse.
If you’re concerned about your dog’s cardiovascular system, it’s best to avoid giving them decaf coffee altogether.
The Gastrointestinal Tract
Caffeine also stimulates the gastrointestinal tract, which leads to vomiting and diarrhea.
In addition, it increases the production of stomach acid, which leads to stomach ulcers.
In severe cases, it can even cause gastrointestinal bleeding.
If your dog has consumed too much caffeine, it’s essential to monitor their stool and vomit for any blood or coffee grounds.
If you notice any blood in either, contact your veterinarian immediately.
The Urinary Tract
Caffeine also has a diuretic effect, which means it increases urination.
Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
