Beverages
Coffee: Safe for Dogs and Cats?
If your pet ate this, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.
Coffee in any form, including beans, grounds, and brewed coffee, contains caffeine, which is toxic to dogs and can cause serious illness or death, especially in small dogs or with concentrated grounds.
Toxic principle: Caffeine (a methylxanthine)
Watch for
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Restlessness
- Panting
- Excessive thirst and urination
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Tremors
- Seizures
Cats are highly sensitive to caffeine and cannot metabolize it effectively, so coffee in any form, including grounds and beans, can cause serious toxicity even from a small amount.
Toxic principle: Caffeine (a methylxanthine)
Watch for
- Restlessness or agitation
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Diarrhea
- Rapid or irregular heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Tremors
- Seizures
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-12
This page is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's diet and health.
Read our methodology for how every verdict is sourced and reviewed.