Caffeine & Stimulants
Can dogs and cats eat caffeine pills/espresso?
Compare the dog and cat answers together, then open the full guide for the pet you are asking about.
If your pet ate this, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.
Call ASPCA: (888) 426-4435One food, two pets
What changes between dogs and cats?
Dogs and cats both have a emergency verdict.
The label matches, but the two answers are not interchangeable. Compare the bottom line below, then use the full guide for your pet.
- Bottom line differs
Caffeine Pills/Espresso safety for dogs
Concentrated caffeine sources like pills and espresso deliver far more stimulant per bite than a cup of coffee, and ingestion should be treated as an emergency.
Toxic principle: caffeine (methylxanthine)
Watch for
- vomiting
- restlessness
- panting
- rapid heart rate
- muscle tremors
- seizures
Caffeine Pills/Espresso safety for cats
Cats are more sensitive to caffeine than dogs, so a caffeine pill or spilled espresso shot warrants the same emergency response.
Toxic principle: caffeine (methylxanthine)
Watch for
- vomiting
- restlessness
- panting
- rapid heart rate
- muscle tremors
- seizures
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.