Coffee is a staple drink for millions of people, providing that energizing caffeine jolt to start the day. With coffee’s popularity, it’s no surprise that our furry companions may also try to snack on coffee grounds left over from brewing But an important question arises – are coffee grounds toxic to dogs?
I did a lot of research to find out the truth about dogs and coffee grounds because I have a dog and love coffee. What I learned is that coffee grounds are not very dangerous, but if dogs eat a lot of them, the caffeine can make them sick.
In this detailed guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about coffee ground toxicity for dogs including
- How coffee grounds can be toxic to dogs
- Amount of coffee grounds that are dangerous
- Signs and symptoms of caffeine toxicity
- Treatment options for dogs who ingest coffee grounds
- Ways to prevent your dog from consuming coffee grounds
Let’s find out if you should keep Fido away from those used coffee grounds!
How Can Coffee Grounds Be Toxic to Dogs?
When dogs eat coffee grounds, the caffeine is the main thing that can go wrong. Dogs’ bodies break down caffeine much more slowly than ours do.
In humans, the half-life of caffeine is 4-6 hours But in dogs, the half-life ranges from 4 to 17 hours! This means caffeine sticks around in a dog’s system longer, increasing the risk of toxicity
Some signs of caffeine toxicity include:
- Restlessness, hyperactivity
- Rapid breathing, panting
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure
- Muscle tremors
- Seizures
If a dog eats too many coffee grounds, it can even die from too much caffeine. That’s why you should be very worried if your dog eats coffee grounds.
How Much Coffee Can Be Toxic for Dogs?
The amount of coffee grounds that can be dangerous depends on the size of the dog. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, caffeine toxicity can occur around:
- 140 mg per kg for mild signs
- 250 mg per kg for more severe signs
This means a 20 lb dog could show mild signs of toxicity after ingesting ~1.4 tablespoons of used coffee grounds.
And only 3.5 tablespoons could result in more dangerous symptoms.
For a larger 50 lb dog, it would take 3.5 tablespoons for mild signs and 7 tablespoons for severe caffeine poisoning.
As you can see, it does not take much coffee at all to make a small dog very sick. Large dogs may be able to consume more, but it’s better to keep all dogs from lapping up coffee grinds whenever possible.
What Are the Symptoms of Coffee Grounds Toxicity?
If your dog manages to sneak some used coffee grounds when you’re not looking, be on the watch for these common signs of caffeine toxicity:
- Restlessness, hyperactivity, panting – The stimulant effect of caffeine triggers this behavior.
- Vomiting, diarrhea – Irritation to the GI tract causes nausea and intestinal issues.
- Increased body temperature – Caffeine increases metabolic rate, leading to fever.
- Excessive thirst and urination – The caffeine acts as a diuretic.
- Fast heart rate, high blood pressure – Caffeine stresses the cardiovascular system.
- Tremors, seizures – These are neurological signs of caffeine overdose.
- Collapsing or coma – Severe caffeine toxicity can shut down the central nervous system.
If you notice any combination of these symptoms within a few hours of your dog eating coffee grounds, call your vet right away or visit an emergency clinic. Early treatment improves chances of recovery.
How is Caffeine Toxicity Treated in Dogs?
There is no antidote that reverses caffeine overdose in dogs. Treatment focuses on supporting the body while the caffeine works its way out of the system.
Options vets may use include:
- Induce vomiting – If caught very soon after ingestion.
- Activated charcoal – Absorbs remaining caffeine in GI tract.
- IV fluids – Rehydrate and provide kidney support.
- Medications – For abnormal heart rhythms, blood pressure, tremors.
- Sedation – If severely hyperactive.
- Monitoring – Repeated bloodwork and ECG to track cardiac stress.
With aggressive treatment, many dogs fully recover from caffeine toxicity. However, large ingestions can still be fatal despite a vet’s best efforts. So prevention is always best!
Tips to Keep Your Dog From Ingesting Coffee Grounds
Here are some simple tips to help keep your curious canine out of the used coffee grounds:
- Secure lidded containers – Store used grounds in a cabinet with toddler locks.
- Designated disposal – Place grounds immediately in outdoor sealed trash can.
- Supervise outdoors – Don’t let dogs wander near compost piles with coffee.
- Avoid DIY uses – Skip home scrubs or garden fertilizer with grounds.
- Pick up spills ASAP – Don’t let grounds sit out after brewing.
- Train an airtight “Leave it” – Useful command for many unsafe foods.
- Buy pet safe coffee – Some companies make low-caffeine coffee for dogs!
Following these precautions can help set your mind at ease whenever you brew a fresh pot of joe.
The Takeaway: Enjoy Coffee Safely With Your Furry Friend
Luckily, by storing coffee carefully, supervising while brewing, and training a solid “leave it” cue, you can continue enjoying your daily coffee while also keeping your pup safe from caffeine overdose.
So brew yourself another cup, settle in with your favorite furbaby nearby, and drink in the joy of being a compassionate and responsible pet owner. Here’s to many more happy, healthy years together!
What Happens When Dogs Have Caffeine?
Humans like to drink coffee for an energy boost! While they have a similar experience, a dog’s body cannot process caffeine the same way we do. They might have a bigger boost, leading to caffeine poisoning.
Besides being energized, if your dog eats coffee grounds, they can be detrimentally overstimulated. Caffeine toxicity in dogs can cause elevated blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, and even start to shut down their organs and eventually the central nervous system.
The American College of Veterinary Pharmacists says that 63 mg of caffeine per pound of body weight is too much for most pets and will make them sick.
So if your dog drinks a few swallows of your morning coffee, they should be fine. But if a small 15-pound dog eats more than 3 teaspoons of grounds, they will start to seem sick, and if they eat 10 or more teaspoons, they could get really sick.
What are some common (and not-so-common) sources of caffeine?
Pet owners may not realize that caffeine can be harmful to their pets. Many foods and drinks in your cupboards contain caffeine. Most people name coffee as the number one source of caffeine and they are right. Most households have coffee in the pantry, but many teas and sodas contain caffeine too. And do not forget about energy or sports drinks in the fridge. Some other common things that contain caffeine are gum, coffee grounds, over-the-counter painkiller combinations, cold medicines, energy-boosting products, and even some herbal supplements.
These are commonly recognized stimulants, but did you know that your favorite candy bar may also contain caffeine? Chocolate contains caffeine along with theobromine, a close chemical relative of caffeine. Coffee-flavored ice creams and liqueurs are other tasty sources of caffeine. Chocolate-covered coffee beans or large amounts of chocolate pack a double threat for pets.
Will coffee grounds keep dogs from digging?
FAQ
How much coffee grounds are toxic to dogs?
… 15-pound dog has more than 3 teaspoons of grounds, they will start showing signs of poisoning, and could get very sick if they eat 10 or more teaspoons …Apr 2, 2025.
What happens if a dog licks coffee?
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2. Contact your vet or an animal poison control center:
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3. Induce vomiting:Your vet may recommend inducing vomiting to help remove the caffeine from the dog’s system, according to Pet Poison Helpline and Driftaway Coffee.
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Quorahttps://www.quora.comCan dogs have a little bit of coffee? What if a dog licked up a small amount of coffee on the floor by his/her curiosity? What is going to happen?Apr 2, 2021
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4. Seek immediate medical attention:If your dog shows signs of serious caffeine poisoning, such as tremors, seizures, or collapse, take them to an emergency vet immediately.
Can I throw coffee grounds on my grass?
A green way to feed your lawn is to use coffee grounds as fertilizer, and you can get them for free or very cheap. Dec 1, 2022.
Are coffee grounds in the garden safe for dogs?
Used coffee grounds can be harmful to birds and pets due to their caffeine content. Caffeine is toxic to many animals, including dogs, cats, and birds. Even small amounts can make you antsy and speed up your heart rate. In the worst cases, it can lead to seizures or even death.
Is coffee poisonous to dogs?
Excellent in pets with mild signs of poisoning (such as slight restlessness or a minimally elevated heart rate). Poor in those with severe signs of poisoning such as collapse and seizures. Caffeine poisonous to dogs, even small amounts of coffee grounds, tea bags or diet pills can easily cause death in small dogs or cats, learn more.
Is coffee addictive and harmful?
Caffeine is a stimulant to the central nervous system, and regular use of caffeine does cause mild physical dependence. If you stop drinking caffeine all of a sudden, you might have headaches, tiredness, anxiety, irritability, depression, and trouble focusing for at least a day. However, caffeine does not cause the severity of withdrawal or harmful drug-seeking behaviors as street drugs or alcohol. For this reason, experts do not consider caffeine dependence an addiction.
Can dogs eat coffee grounds?
Coffee grounds are a toxic substance for a dog to consume due to their caffeine content. If this occurs to your dog, it is vital that you contact your veterinarian as quickly as possible with imperative information (timing and amount consumed, weight of your dog, and any observed signs).
Is caffeine bad for dogs?
As mentioned, caffeine is a toxic stimulant for dogs. It affects their cardiovascular, nervous, and gastrointestinal systems as well as having potential negative effects on their kidneys, liver, heart, central nervous system, and other organs.
What if my dog drank coffee?
If you know your dog drank coffee or ate coffee grounds or beans, you need to monitor them for signs of toxicity. Immediately call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-213-6680) for medical advice. Why Do Dogs Drink Coffee? Dogs are naturally curious creatures who taste whatever treats they can get.
Do coffee grounds contain caffeine?
Although some of the caffeine ends up in the hot drink, the coffee grounds will still contain a large caffeine concentration. You may be able to do a rough estimate of caffeine content by looking at the product’s packaging, but the amount in the leftover grounds will be a bit lower than this after being used/brewed.