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.

IMG_0531

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).

Dogs: Caffeine Toxic Consumption
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)
dog1 dog2 dog3 dog4 dog7 dog6
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
Cats: Caffeine Toxic Consumption
Most Cats Large Cats
1 – 10 lbs.
(0.45 – 4.6 kg)
11 – 25 lbs.
(5 – 11.4 kg)
cat1 fat cat
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

Pet Poison Control is provided free as a public service by the American College of Veterinary Pharmacists. Today we’re asking you to support us with a small donation. If you would like to dedicate your gift in honor or memory of a pet or individual, you will have that option before checkout. Your gift of any amount helps us maintain this resource and make it available to the pharmacy and veterinary communities. Thank you!

Loading...