For many of us, we use energy drinks like MiO as an essential ritual to get us through a busy day.
The popular MiO energy drink’s ingredients contain flavors, which contain the artificial sweeteners acesulfame potassium (Ace-K), sucralose, and caffeine. While the energy drink is frequently drunk by humans, it is safe to be consumed by dogs? Here’s what you need to know.
Is MiO Bad For Dogs?
As MiO contains caffeine, dogs are much more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than humans are, and when a dog has consumed large amounts of caffeine can be highly toxic to dogs when eaten or drunk in large amounts. Although one or two one off licks of the MiO energy drink are unlikely to be dangerous to most dogs, although, larger amounts of caffeine that have been consumed by your dog, could potentially cause serious negative effects.
Is The Caffeine In MiO Too Much For Dogs?
The effects of the caffeine from the MiO drink depends on how much your dog has ingested. Caffeine is used as a stimulant, which is exactly why we drink caffeine products – to keep us alert and awake! However, when it comes to dogs, these stimulant properties are responsible for the symptoms that can be seen with caffeine toxicity, which affects a dog’s nervous system, heart, and gut.
When a dog consumes smaller amounts of caffeine, it mightn’t result in any symptoms at all, or only mild restlessness and agitation. However, it’s important to know that when larger amounts of caffeine are consumed, the symptoms can become a lot more severe.
These include:
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Increased urination
- Restlessness or agitation
- Tremors or shaking
- Rapid breathing and a fast or irregular heart rate
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High body temperature (hyperthermia)
- Seizures
Given how serious the side effects of caffeine toxicity can be, giving your dog large amounts of an energy drink could be disastrous for a dog’s health. The consequences of drinking an energy drink like MiO will also vary depending on the size of your dog and their overall health. For example, an older dog that has a heart condition or liver disease is at higher risk of developing the severe symptoms and complications that come from drinking caffeine, compared to a young healthy large breed dog. It’s also important to remember that smaller dog breeds are affected more easily and only need to consume a small amount of caffeine to start displaying signs of toxicity.
My Dog Drank Some MiO, What Should I Do?
Keep checking your dog. What is your dog doing? Are they behaving normally? Have they vomited? If your dog has started to show severe neurological signs such as seizures or severe tremors, if this is the case, then make your way immediately to your nearest emergency vet. However, if your dog is bright and active and doesn’t appear to be in distress, then it should be fine as long as they don’t have access to any more caffeine.
If you know that your dog has had access to some MiO, then you need to prevent access to prevent them from getting any more. If there’s any spilt MiO on the floor, clean it up and ensure none of your dogs can’t reach anything else that contains caffeine. Also, make sure the trash cans are secure or unable to be accessed by your dog.
If you notice that your dog is acting strange, then call your vet straight away. Give them all the information on what’s happened to your dog. If they are concerned that your dog has consumed a potentially toxic dose of caffeine, then it’s possible that they will tell you to bring your dog straight down to the clinic.
How Can I Prevent My Dog From Getting Access To Caffeine Products?
Preventing access to any food and drink products that contain caffeine is vital to keep your dog safe. Try to avoid leaving energy bottles or cans on low tables where your dog may be able to get access to it, or food items on the kitchen counter. Ensure that your trashcan is dog-secure and or out of reach, as any discarded cans, bottles, or chocolate.
Conclusion
Fortunately, the MiO Energy doesn’t contain xylitol, which is probably the most toxic thing that a dog could take. However, it does contain caffeine and, although it mightn’t be toxic for a large healthy dog, older dogs with long-term health conditions could be a problem. If your dog has drunk MiO and is acting strange, then call your local vet!
