Caffeine Dogs

Caffeine, besides having a slight stimulating effect on the peristalsis in the intestine, is useful because (an) it stimulates the general circulation by accelerating the heart, increasing its force and raising the blood pressure. It affects the heart muscle directly. Overdoses cause such rapid heartbeat that blood pressure drops; (a) it increases the rapidity and depth of respiration; (b) it stimulates the nervous system; (c) it increases muscular strength and power; and (d) it stimulates the production of urine by heightening the activity of the kidneys without irritating them, thus it is a diuretic.

Since caffeine is an effective, if mild stimulant, many dogs with degree of cardiac insufficiency benefit from it. One level teaspoon of instant coffee contains about one grain of caffeine, which is helpful forma twenty-pound dog. It must be given frequently since the effectiveness lasts only a half hour or so. Very little coffee is required as a good-size dose for a dog. The error most people make is in giving their pets too much. In proportion to the human dose, when used as a stimulant,caffeine enough for a Cocker weighing twenty-five pounds is only one third to one half a cup, whereas a cup is enough for a great Great Dane. Yet an owner will often mistakenly give two cups to a small do gif the dog is hungry for it.

As a stimulant to counteract a narcotic or barbiturate poisoning,fairly large amounts of coffee should be given, but great care is necessary to prevent some from running into the lungs of the anesthetized dog. If coffee is not handy, strong tea is an excellent substitute. Ac up of tea contains almost as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. Cocoa contains thorniness, which action is similar to that of caffeine. Ask your veterinarian before administering medications for potentially seri-o us problems.

Ammonia in the toms of aromatic spirits to sniff are often given to dogs and other pets, or it is given orally as a stimulant. A dog the size sofa Cocker can stand one half a cubic centimeter in water, but very oft enlarge doses are given mistakenly. Ammonia has also been given to stimulate kidney action and to help an dog to raise phlegm from the trachea, but for these purposes it is inferior to other drugs that do this.