Coffee is the first thing you reach for when you wake up in the morning. It gives you the needed boost of energy to get through the day. Some pet owners share their food and drinks with their dogs, but can Pugs drink coffee?
Can Pugs Coffee?
No, caffeine is highly toxic to dogs and can have adverse reactions to your pooch. The natural stimulant in coffee that gives you that much-needed bolt, is poisonous to dogs.
As a pet owner, you should know what foods Pugs like to eat and which ones are dangerous. Coffee, tea, and chocolate rank pretty high on the foods to avoid.
What Is Coffee?
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world and many people start their morning with a cup. It comes in several different formats from whole bean, ground, espresso capsules, cold brew, single-serve, instant and etc.
The amount of caffeine one cup contains will vary depending on the type of coffee you make. Arabica beans are the most popular and contain about six milligrams of coffee, while Robusta beans contain 10 milligrams after roasting.
According to Kicking Horse Coffee, light roast coffee beans contain more caffeine than darker roast beans.
Where Does Coffee Come From?
Coffee is comprised from a tropical evergreen shrub called genus Coffea. There are over 100 species of coffee plants, but Robusta and Arabica are the two types that are used for commercial coffees.
The coffee tree produces 2 to 4 kilos of cherries which are then harvested by hand or machine, depending on the landscape and location.
Once harvested, the fruit is processed.
Are There Any Benefits To Giving Pugs Coffee?
Even though this drink has high levels of antioxidants and may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and type 2 diabetes, it has no benefit for your four-legged friend.
Why Caffeine Is Bad For Pugs?
Depending on how much coffee your dog ingests, it can cause an increased heart rate, hyperactivity, and even death, depending on the size of your pet.
Caffeine poison is very common when dogs ingest caffeine, whether it’s from iced coffee or other caffeinated substances of chocolate.
Symptoms Of Caffeine Poisoning
If your dog has managed to get a few sips of your coffee, seek medical attention immediately.
Here are some of the symptoms of caffeine poisoning that may be apparent about 30 minutes after ingestion.
- Seizures
- Hyperactivity
- Nervousness
- Agitation
- Panting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shaking
- Hypertension
- Hypothermia
Products That Contain Caffeine
It’s important to understand that caffeine is a poisonous drug that should be kept away from your pooch. Many homes contain one or more products that contain caffeine besides coffee and tea.
Here’s a list of other caffeine products to be keep away from your pet:
- Hot Chocolate
- Sodas
- Protein Bars
- Chocolate
- Energy Drinks
- Espresso
- Certain cereals (Cocoa Pebbles)
- Cocoa Powder
- Ice Cream (coffee-flavored)
- Matcha
How Much Coffee Is Dangerous For Pugs?
The caffeine lethal dose for a dog is 150 milligrams of caffeine for every 2.2 pounds of your dog’s body weight.
The severity of the toxicity will vary depending on the type of coffee and your dog’s size. A cup of coffee with 150 grams of caffeine can easily affect a 10-pound Pug or small puppy, but may not have a negative effect on a Pug that weighs 22 pounds.
Either way, you should ensure you keep your cup of coffee out of your dog’s reach and always throw away your Keurig K-cups or coffee grounds in an airtight container that your dog can’t get too.
Can Pugs Drink Iced Coffee?
No, iced coffees can contain 130mg to 285 mg of caffeine depending on the size and the type you purchase. The iced coffees with the highest amount of caffeine are Starbucks, McCafe, Dunkin’ Donuts, Peet’s Coffee, Seattle’s Best, and Caribou Coffee.
Can My Pug Drink Decaffeinated Coffee?
No, decaffeinated coffee contains smaller amounts of caffeine that can still be dangerous for pets.
The amount of caffeine found in decaf coffee will depend on the decaffeination process as well as the type of bean.
Can Pugs Drink Rooffee The First Coffee For Dogs?
Rooffee, the first coffee for dogs, that isn’t really coffee and is suitable for all mammals.
Agota Jakutyte is the creator of the first-ever coffee for dogs. This carbon and caffeine-free drink that contains herbal ingredients that are beneficial for your dog.
Rooffee is free from herbicides, pesticides, mold, and other toxins that can harm pets.
It is comprised of herbs, vegetables like carrots, chicory burdock, dandelion root, and according to Jakutye, Rooffee has many benefits for canines that will help them live a healthier longer life.
That being said, there’s been a huge debate over the name as it’s similar to “roofie” which is known as the date-rape drug. According to Jakutyte, not a lot of thought into the name and named it Rooffee because of the combination of the “ROOTS + COFFEE” that you find in the drink.
At the time of this writing, she is in the process of getting the name changed. Be on the lookout for when this product hits the market.
What If My Pug Accidentally Drinks Coffee?
If you catch your pup sneaking a drink of your coffee or any other foods that are poisonous to them, don’t wait for the symptoms to start showing.
Instead, consult your veterinarian or animal control center and seek treatment. The sooner your dog gets treated, the better chance they’ll have to survive the experience.
Depending on the type of coffee, amount of caffeine ingested, and severity of the situation, they may instruct you on how to induce vomiting to rid your dog’s stomach of the coffee. They may instruct you to give your dog activated charcoal to help absorb the caffeine in your dog’s stomach.
For more severe cases, they will advise you to bring your dog in so they can implement intravenous fluids, and monitor their organ functions to help flush out the caffeine.
Final Word On Giving Pugs Coffee
Coffee is one of the most dangerous foods drinks you can give your pooch. As a responsible pet owner, you need to avoid it all costs. Never leave your coffee unattended, and if your pooch does drink a considerable amount, rush them immediately to the vet.
References And Further Reading
NCBI – Death by Caffeine: Presumptive Malicious Poisoning of a Dog by Incorporation in Ground Meat