Friday, September 10, 2010

Is Coffee Safe for Labrador Retrievers?

Have you ever spilled your coffee and your Labrador Retriever has licked it up? Wondering if giving your Labrador Retrievers a little coffee will give them more energy (like they really need energy)?

Bethany Ramos guides us along the way with this guest post:

Is Coffee Safe for Labrador Retrievers? Find Out How to Keep Your Dog Healthy!

As a coffee lover, you may have read recent research about the health benefits of your cup of Joe, namely that it prevents aging and a number of diseases when enjoyed on a regular basis. Still, as a coffee lover and dog lover, it is important to keep in mind that coffee is not anywhere near as beneficial to your Labrador retriever!

When consumed in excess, caffeine is toxic for dogs, which is one of the main compounds found in coffee. This does not mean that coffee is necessarily poisonous, so if your dog accidentally has a sip, there is no reason to panic. Still, it is important to be vigilant in keeping your dog away from cups of coffee sitting out or even from digging into trash that contains coffee grounds.

Unfortunately, when you check out this topic in many forums online, numerous pet owners freely admit to letting their dogs drink from their cup of Joe! We are all familiar with the fact that chocolate is a no-no for dogs because it is toxic, and coffee for pets should also be strictly off-limits. The caffeine within both chocolate and coffee will stimulate the central nervous system, which could cause side effects in your pooch of an upset stomach, increased heart rate, or even a seizure.

To continue to keep your Labrador retriever safe, avoid any products that contain caffeine and steer clear from feeding your dog onions, garlic, grapes, and tomatoes. Onions can cause anemia or difficulty breathing in dogs, garlic has the same effect, and grapes can cause potential kidney failure. If your dog eats tomatoes, that could also cause toxicity in the form of difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, or cardiac issues.

So what is the lesson we have learned today? Coffee is a wonderful and healthy treat for humans, but keep it away from man's best friend!

For a great selection of Bunn coffee makers, check out Bethany Ramos' website, The Coffee Bump.


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