My dog ate coffee grounds from the trash. How bad is that?

Worse than an equal volume of brewed coffee. Grounds, whole beans and single-serve pods are concentrated, which is why they are the classic caffeine poisoning presentation. Weigh what is missing if you can, then call your vet or 888-426-4435 right away.

How much caffeine is dangerous for a 22 lb dog?

About 200 mg (20 mg/kg) starts GI signs, 400-500 mg is the cardiotoxic band, and 600 mg or more is the seizure threshold. One large energy drink or two caffeine tablets can reach the first tier, and a scoop of pre-workout powder can reach the second.

He seems fine two hours later. Are we clear?

Not necessarily. Onset is typically 1-2 hours but effects can persist 12-24 hours, and early jitteriness can progress to arrhythmia and seizures. If a meaningful dose was ingested, that period should be spent under veterinary monitoring, not at home.

caffeine

Toxic

Caffeine is a more potent, faster methylxanthine than chocolate's theobromine: GI signs around 20 mg/kg, cardiotoxicity at 40-50 mg/kg, seizures at 60 mg/kg or more. Grounds, pods and pills are the dangerous forms.

This food guide has not been reviewed by a veterinarian. It summarises general information from sources and should not be used to decide whether a food is suitable for an individual dog or to assess an emergency.

Check before feeding

Do not offer as a treat

There is no recommended treat portion for this hazardous item. If swallowed, contact a vet with the amount, time and product details. Do not induce vomiting yourself.

Signs and health concerns

This list includes both observable signs and conditions identified through examination or testing. It cannot establish the cause or whether an exposure is safe.

Excessive activity
Restlessness
Vomiting
Fast heartbeat
High blood pressure
Overheating
Tremors
Seizures

More about this food

Caffeine belongs to the same methylxanthine family as the theobromine in chocolate, but it is more potent and acts faster. It blocks adenosine receptors, inhibits phosphodiesterase and triggers catecholamine release, pushing heart rate and blood pressure up together. Per the Merck Veterinary Manual, mild GI signs appear around 20 mg/kg, cardiotoxicity at 40-50 mg/kg, and seizures at 60 mg/kg or higher. The reported oral LD50 is 100-200 mg/kg, with some sources citing 140 mg/kg. For a 22 lb (10 kg) dog, 20 mg/kg is 200 mg, roughly two mugs of brewed coffee, one large energy drink, or about two caffeine tablets. The classic US emergency case is not a lapped-up latte. It is used coffee grounds pulled out of the trash or the compost bin, chewed K-Cup style pods, whole beans, pre-workout powder, diet pills and guarana supplements. Concentrated forms pack far more caffeine into the same volume, which is why a dog that raids the grounds can pass the seizure threshold in one sitting. Signs typically start within 1-2 hours and can last 12-24 hours: hyperactivity, restlessness, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension, hyperthermia, tremors, ataxia and seizures. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 immediately. Do not induce vomiting at home, and bring the packaging so the team can read the exact milligram content off the label.

Frequently asked questions

My dog ate coffee grounds from the trash. How bad is that?: Worse than an equal volume of brewed coffee. Grounds, whole beans and single-serve pods are concentrated, which is why they are the classic caffeine poisoning presentation. Weigh what is missing if you can, then call your vet or 888-426-4435 right away.
How much caffeine is dangerous for a 22 lb dog?: About 200 mg (20 mg/kg) starts GI signs, 400-500 mg is the cardiotoxic band, and 600 mg or more is the seizure threshold. One large energy drink or two caffeine tablets can reach the first tier, and a scoop of pre-workout powder can reach the second.
He seems fine two hours later. Are we clear?: Not necessarily. Onset is typically 1-2 hours but effects can persist 12-24 hours, and early jitteriness can progress to arrhythmia and seizures. If a meaningful dose was ingested, that period should be spent under veterinary monitoring, not at home.

This information is general guidance and does not replace veterinary care. If your dog has swallowed something, contact a veterinarian immediately.