Effects of Caffeine in Dogs
Caffeine poisoning in dogs has no antidote! Humans can safely consume caffeine but in large quantities this substance can have lethal effects on dogs and in other pets. Caffeine is a substance found in coffee, tea and chocolates. The pleasant bitter taste in some soft drinks is due to the usage of caffeine as an ingredient. Dog owners have to make sure that the pet is prevented from consuming the above mentioned drinks and also from eating coffee grounds and coffee beans.
Coffee beans, tea and cacao beans produce the substance caffeine. Coffee has gained worldwide acceptance as a favorite adult drink. Stomach upset and poisoning are common consequences of the dog's inclination to eat just about anything. Caffeine poisoning is more likely to happen in dogs with coffee drinking owners. Not many owners would know about the toxic effects of coffee to dogs thus remaining coffee will be dumped on the bowl of the dog. The contents of trash cans seem to be very interesting even to well fed dogs. This habit can result to poisoning if the dog has feasted on coffee grounds found in the trash.
The dog's systems can no longer tolerate caffeine that is more than 150 mg per kilogram of body weight as this amount would already be fatal to dogs. Dogs that have consumed caffeine more than this amount would suffer from the signs of caffeine toxicity. Although considered to be a mild stimulant, an over dosage would have the effect of slowing down cellular activity and stimulating the nerve cells to release adrenaline, the hormone that increases heart rate. Increased respiratory rate and a change in behavior will be noticed in dogs that have consumed food items containing large amounts of caffeine. Muscle tremors can be noticed. Severe cases of toxicity will have the dog bleeding and seizing. Vets would commonly detect arrhythmia and generalized congestion.
In right amounts; caffeine does have beneficial effects on the health of the dog. Coffee serves as a diuretic because caffeine enhances the activities of the kidneys thereby stimulating the production of urine. The dog's muscular strength is enhanced and the nervous system is stimulated by caffeine. General circulation is improved because of accelerated heart rate.
Caffeine has the effect of improving the intestines' peristalsis motion. Coffee is actually given to dogs with cardiac insufficiency as caffeine stimulates heart muscles. However, dog owners have to be very careful not to give the pet too much of this substance.
Coffee beans, tea and cacao beans produce the substance caffeine. Coffee has gained worldwide acceptance as a favorite adult drink. Stomach upset and poisoning are common consequences of the dog's inclination to eat just about anything. Caffeine poisoning is more likely to happen in dogs with coffee drinking owners. Not many owners would know about the toxic effects of coffee to dogs thus remaining coffee will be dumped on the bowl of the dog. The contents of trash cans seem to be very interesting even to well fed dogs. This habit can result to poisoning if the dog has feasted on coffee grounds found in the trash.
The dog's systems can no longer tolerate caffeine that is more than 150 mg per kilogram of body weight as this amount would already be fatal to dogs. Dogs that have consumed caffeine more than this amount would suffer from the signs of caffeine toxicity. Although considered to be a mild stimulant, an over dosage would have the effect of slowing down cellular activity and stimulating the nerve cells to release adrenaline, the hormone that increases heart rate. Increased respiratory rate and a change in behavior will be noticed in dogs that have consumed food items containing large amounts of caffeine. Muscle tremors can be noticed. Severe cases of toxicity will have the dog bleeding and seizing. Vets would commonly detect arrhythmia and generalized congestion.
In right amounts; caffeine does have beneficial effects on the health of the dog. Coffee serves as a diuretic because caffeine enhances the activities of the kidneys thereby stimulating the production of urine. The dog's muscular strength is enhanced and the nervous system is stimulated by caffeine. General circulation is improved because of accelerated heart rate.
Caffeine has the effect of improving the intestines' peristalsis motion. Coffee is actually given to dogs with cardiac insufficiency as caffeine stimulates heart muscles. However, dog owners have to be very careful not to give the pet too much of this substance.
About the Author:
People love coffee, but do dogs and can dogs can have caffeine? More on this and other food subjects at Sarah's Dogs.
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