Wanting to be cautious around a new puppy is understandable. The cute little things love exploring anything and everything, especially if they see that you're interested in it. Caffeine should remain far, far away from puppies -- and from adult dogs for that matter.
Caffeine is Toxic to Dogs of All Ages
Caffeine is poisonous to all dogs. Caffeine includes methylxanthines, which are compounds that can lead to negative consequences in a dog's central nervous system, lungs, kidneys and heart. Anything that contains caffeine is therefore a threat to canines, and that includes chocolate.
Small Size of Puppies
Puppies are usually significantly smaller than adult dogs, making the dangers of caffeine more prominent. The more caffeine a dog takes in relative to his body weight, the quicker and easier he experiences poisoning. Small pooches simply need less caffeine to get to that point. Median fatal amounts of caffeine in dogs are about 140 mg for each 2.2 pounds a dog weighs, according to certified veterinary technician Dana B. Farbman. It is crucial to keep caffeine, even in the tiniest amounts, out of the reach of dogs.
Signs of Caffeine Poisoning
If your puppy ingested caffeine, you might notice symptoms of toxicity. Some indications of this poisoning in dogs are unusual thirst, inordinate panting, seizures, diarrhea, throwing up, urinating a lot, frenzied and frenetic behavior, raised blood pressure, raised body temperature, falling over, increased heart rate and problems with heart rhythms. Caffeine poisoning can be fatal in canines, particularly in small ones such as puppies. Seek urgent veterinary care, if you believe your puppy ingested caffeine. Even if you don't notice symptoms, get veterinary help. If you respond to the situation quickly, it could save your precious pet's life.
Caffeinated Beverages and Foods
Since coffee and soda both consist of caffeine, it is vital to never leave them unattended around curious, investigative puppies. Chocolate is also a big no-no, and darker varieties are even riskier than milk and white chocolate. A lot of dogs have serious "sweet teeth," and the undeniable smell of the rich and sweet stuff is frequently a big draw to them. Candies that have coffee flavoring are also a hazard to the canine world. Never let your puppy have caffeine. It is dangerous at any dosage.
- ASPCA: People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
- DogChannel.com: People Food - The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
- The Humane Society of the United States: Foods That Can Be Poisonous to Pets
- The Merck Veterinary Manual: Chocolate
- ASPCA Professional: Death by Chocolate? Methylxanthine Toxicosis
- Animal Planet: Is Chocolate Poisonous to Dogs?
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images