Is Coffee Bad for Dogs

Is Coffee Bad for Dogs? What Every Owner Needs to Know

Coffee is one of the world’s most popular drinks — but when it comes to dogs, it can be surprisingly dangerous. Whether your dog accidentally licked spilled coffee, chewed on coffee grounds, or got into the bin, knowing whether coffee is bad for dogs and what symptoms to watch for is crucial.

Here’s everything dog owners should know.

Is Coffee Bad for Dogs? (Short Answer: Yes)

Yes — coffee is bad for dogs. Both brewed coffee and coffee grounds contain caffeine, which is toxic to dogs even in small amounts. Dogs are far more sensitive to caffeine than humans, meaning that even a few laps of coffee can cause symptoms.

If you brew strong blends such as our Italian Blend Coffee or Forte Blend Coffee at home, be particularly careful to keep cups and grounds out of reach.

Why Coffee Is Bad for Dogs: Understanding Caffeine Toxicity

Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in coffee beans. When dogs ingest caffeine, it affects their:

  • Heart rate

  • Nervous system

  • Blood pressure

  • Muscles

Because dogs metabolise caffeine much more slowly than humans, even a small amount can lead to toxicity.

Is Coffee Grounds Bad for Dogs?

Yes — coffee grounds are especially dangerous.

Used or fresh coffee grounds contain highly concentrated caffeine. If your dog chews or eats grounds from the bin, the caffeine content can be significantly higher than in a diluted cup of coffee.

For households using rich, bold coffees like Guatemala Blue Ayarza Anaerobic Coffee or Colombia Huila Yellow Bourbon Coffee, disposing of grounds safely is essential.

If you compost your grounds, check out our guide What Plants Don’t Like Coffee Grounds for safe garden use.

Is Coffee Bad for Dogs to Drink?

Yes — even small amounts are risky. Dogs typically show symptoms within 30–60 minutes of ingesting caffeine.

Common Symptoms Include:

  • Restlessness or pacing

  • Rapid breathing

  • Increased heart rate

  • Vomiting or diarrhoea

  • Tremors

  • Elevated body temperature

Severe cases can lead to seizures or collapse.

If your dog has consumed coffee, contact a vet immediately, even if symptoms haven’t appeared yet.

What If My Dog Only Licked a Small Amount?

A few licks of diluted coffee are unlikely to be fatal, but they can still cause:

  • Hyperactivity

  • Increased heart rate

  • Stomach upset

Monitor your dog closely for several hours. Call a vet if symptoms develop or you’re unsure how much they consumed.

Can Dogs Have Tea?

Most teas — including black, green, and white tea — contain caffeine, meaning dogs should not have tea either.

Even herbal teas may cause stomach upset depending on the ingredients. If you want a warm treat for your dog, stick to vet-approved options like warm water or dog-safe broths.

Safe Alternatives to Coffee for Pets

Dogs don’t need caffeinated drinks, but if you want to include them in your coffee routine:

  • Offer fresh water during your morning brew

  • Give dog-safe treats while you drink your coffee

  • Consider non-caffeinated herbal infusions specifically labelled pet-safe

And of course, keep your favourite blends — like our House Blend Coffee or Morning Bliss Coffee — safely out of reach.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Coffee or Coffee Grounds

  1. Remove access immediately

  2. Call your vet or an emergency clinic

  3. Provide accurate information about:

    • What was eaten

    • How much

    • When it happened

  4. Follow the vet’s instructions — they may advise monitoring, inducing vomiting (professionally), or bringing your dog in

Final Thoughts

So, is coffee bad for dogs? Yes — very. Both brewed coffee and coffee grounds can lead to caffeine toxicity, so prevention is key. By storing beans, grounds, and cups safely, you can enjoy your daily brew without worry.

If you enjoy learning about coffee and want more brewing advice, check out our guide on How to Make Black Coffee or explore our full All Products Collection.

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