PupkeeperToxicEmergency
Can dogs have coffee, tea and caffeine? No: toxic
Toxic in larger amounts. Coffee grounds, beans, tea bags, energy drinks and caffeine pills can cause a racing heart, tremors and seizures.
If your dog ate or touched this, call your vet or a pet poison line now
United States
Poison lines in other countries: United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand
What to do now
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now.
- Note what was eaten, roughly how much, and when.
- Keep the package or cup so the vet can see the product.
- Move your dog away from any grounds, bags or pills.
Don't
- Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
- Don't wait for signs to appear before calling.
Signs to watch for
- Hyperactivity and restlessness
- Pacing or excessive vocalizing
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Racing heart rate
- Increased urination
- Tremors
- Seizures
When signs appear: Within a few hours; signs can last up to several days
Why
Caffeine is a stimulant that overexcites a dog's heart and nervous system. A sip of coffee or tea is unlikely to harm most dogs, but grounds, beans, tea bags, energy products and pills are far more concentrated.
Sources
- Pet Poison Helpline: Caffeine
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Caffeine Toxicity in Pets
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.