Suspect poisoning? US: ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · UK: 01202 509 000 · Severe symptoms → nearest emergency vet now.

My 12 kg dog just drank a few sips of leftover energy drink from a can that was open overnight. He's already vomited once. Is this an emergency?

Dogs · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

This is an emergency. Even a small amount of old energy drink contains caffeine and sugar, which can cause a rapid heart rate and restlessness in dogs. The vomiting is a sign his system is reacting, and the risk of toxicity is high. Call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control line (888-426-4435) immediately, and bring the can with you so they know the exact ingredients.

Energy drinks — Food safety facts

Do not feed · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page

Caffeine, taurine and sugar together — a cardiac emergency in small pets.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Do not feed), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Energy drinks should not be given to dogs at all. Even a small amount can do harm, so there is no portion small enough to be safe.

Do not induce vomiting and do not give milk or oil to “dilute” it. Note the food and roughly how much was eaten, then call your vet or a pet poison hotline and follow their advice on whether to bring the pet in straight away.

Why these cautions matter

Caffeine overstimulates the heart and nervous system, and pets clear it so slowly that tremors and restlessness drag on far longer than they would in a person.

Added sugar brings empty calories, and over months that means weight gain and dental disease — both far harder to undo than to avoid.

Energy drinks has no place in everyday feeding: keep the rest of the day's food unchanged after this and watch the next walk and the stool that comes with it.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Energy drinks food facts page.

Open the full food page: Energy drinks food facts →