If you have any reason to suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please contact your veterinarian or one of the other resources listed:
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline® 24-hour animal poison control service at (855) 764-7661
Caffeine
Caffeine, a methylxanthine, can cause toxicosis when ingested by pets. Dogs are the most frequently intoxicated species due to their indiscriminate eating habits. Any age or breed of dog can be affected. A similar clinical course can also occur in cats if ingestion occurs.
It is important to note that caffeine is often found in products containing chocolate (another common pet toxin).
Signs and symptoms of toxicity: vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures. These signs usually occur within 1-2 hours of ingestion.
Toxic Consumption:
In dogs, 140 mg/kg (63 mg/lb) can be toxic. For cats that value ranges from 80-150 mg/kg (36 – 68 mg/lb).
| X-Small Yorkie, Chihuahua |
Small Pug, Boston Terrier, Poodle |
Medium Beagle, Scottish Terrier |
Large Boxer, Cocker Spaniel |
X-Large Retriever, German Shepherd |
XX-Large Great Dane, St. Bernard |
|
| 1 – 10 lbs. (0.45 – 4.6 kg) |
11 – 25 lbs. (5 – 11.4 kg) |
26 – 40 lbs. (11.8 – 18.2 kg) |
41 – 70 lbs. (18.6 – 31.8 kg) |
71 – 90 lbs. (32.3 – 40.9 kg) |
91 – 110 lbs. (41.4 – 50 kg) |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| Vivarin Tablets | > 0.3 tablets | > 3 tablets | > 8 tablets | > 13 tablets | > 22 tablets | > 28 tablets |
| Tea | > 3 oz | > 38.5 oz | > 91.5 oz | > 144.5 oz | > 251 oz | > 321 oz |
| Coffee Beans | > 0.1 oz | > 1 oz | > 2.5 oz | > 4.5 oz | > 7.5 oz | > 10 oz |
| Regular Coffee | > 3 oz | > 38.5 oz | > 91.5 oz | > 144.5 oz | > 251 oz | > 321 oz |
| Decaffeinated Coffee | > 78.5 oz | > 874 oz | > 2064 oz | > 3254 oz | > 5652 oz | > 7244 oz |
| Cola Beverages | > 8 oz | > 93 oz | > 220 oz | > 347 oz | > 602.5 oz | > 772.5 oz |
| Most Cats | Large Cats | |
| 1 – 10 lbs. (0.45 – 4.6 kg) |
11 – 25 lbs. (5 – 11.4 kg) |
|
 |
 |
|
| Vivarin Tablets | > 0.15 tablets | > 1.5 tablets |
| Tea | > 1.5 oz | > 22 oz |
| Coffee Beans | > 0.05 oz | > 0.5 oz |
| Regular Coffee | > 1.5 oz | > 38.5 oz |
| Decaffeinated Coffee | > 45 oz | > 500 oz |
| Cola Beverages | > 4.5 oz | > 53 oz |
References:
– Osweiler, G, et al. (2011). Blackwell’s five-minute veterinary consult clinical companion. Small Animal Toxicology. [Kindle version]. Retrieved from Amazon.com
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