Are Energy drinks Toxic to Pets?
Yes — energy drinks are toxic to cats. Yes — energy drinks are toxic to dogs.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Toxic compound
- Caffeine, guarana; sometimes xylitol
- Toxic parts
- Drink, pills, powders
- Also known as
- caffeine pills, red bull, pre-workout
Symptoms
Cats (toxic)
- Restlessness and hyperactivity
- Fast heart rate
- Panting
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Seizures
Dogs (toxic)
- Restlessness and hyperactivity
- Fast heart rate
- Panting
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Seizures
What to do
If your cat ate energy drinks
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your cat ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your dog ate energy drinks
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your dog ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
Good to know
Energy drinks and caffeine pills pack a lot of caffeine, which overstimulates the heart and nervous system. Some also contain xylitol.
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Frequently asked questions
Are energy drinks toxic to cats?
Yes — energy drinks are toxic to cats. Common signs include restlessness and hyperactivity, fast heart rate, panting.
Are energy drinks toxic to dogs?
Yes — energy drinks are toxic to dogs. Common signs include restlessness and hyperactivity, fast heart rate, panting.
Which parts of energy drinks are toxic?
Drink, pills, powders.
What makes energy drinks toxic?
Caffeine, guarana; sometimes xylitol.
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