Fur-bidden or Paw-some: Can Dogs Drink Tea?

August 5, 2022

Dogs can’t have tea – it is actually quite toxic for them.

I am an animal lover, which is why I researched can dogs drink tea a long time ago. However, since this is a question that many people have, it is information that I need to share.

In this post I will discuss why tea is dangerous for canines, whether all types of tea are bad, and more. Here is what you need to know…

Can Dogs Have Green Tea or Black Tea?

No, your dog can’t have green or black tea.

In fact, your dog shouldn’t consume any true tea at all. This is because all true teas – green, black, white, oolong, and pu’erh tea contain caffeine.

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Caffeine and Dogs

Caffeine can be rather toxic to dogs. This is why it’s not safe for them even in small doses.

Dogs that drink true teas may experience hyper-activeness, increased heart rate, cardiac arrhythmia, tremors, and loss of muscle control.

So, always keep your tea bags and cups of tea well out of the reach of your pooch.

fluffy pooch

What About Decaffeinated Tea?

Based on the above information, you may be considering giving your pooch decaf tea instead.

Well, this still wouldn’t be a good move. This is because decaf tea contains trace amounts of caffeine.

And, even small amounts of caffeine can be dangerous, particularly for small dogs.

Due to this, you shouldn’t risk your pup’s health with these beverages either.

Can Dogs Have Tea Brewed from Flowers, Herbs, and Leaves?

Herbal teas, unlike true teas, don’t contain any caffeine.

Thus, you may be trying to figure out whether you can give your pup this tea.

Well, the answer is slightly complicated. To begin with, there are many different types of herbal teas.

As such, it can be difficult to know which of them is safe for your pup.

For instance, some flowers are quite dangerous for dogs. Chrysanthemums, for example, aren't good for your pooch at all!

Chamomile tea for dogs, on the other hand, is quite good. Vets will prescribe it to dogs to help relieve digestive disorders, inflammatory conditions, and even anxiety.

It should be noted that some dogs may be allergic to chamomile so be careful when giving them this tea.

When it comes to spice-based teas, cinnamon has been proven to be harmful to pups. Thus, you should be mindful of any tea blends that contain this ingredient.  

If you sweeten your tea, be aware that sugar isn’t good for your dog. Xylitol, an artificial sweetener, is especially bad.

Chamomile tea for dogs

A Final Verdict – Can Dogs Have Tea?

Dogs are very different from humans. Therefore, you need to be careful when giving your pup human drinks.

To stay on the safe side, always visit your vet before giving your dog tea. A veterinary professional will be more adept at giving you a list of good and bad ingredients.

You should also read the ingredients on tea labels carefully. This will ensure that you don’t accidentally give your dog harmful foods.

Furthermore, always start with a small amount of tea and watch your pup carefully. Look for signs of an allergic reaction or any kind of toxicity.

Even if your pet doesn’t have a negative reaction to tea, avoid giving them a lot of tea at once or on a regular basis.

This is the answer to whether dogs can drink tea. Your furry friends can’t drink true due to caffeine content.

Nonetheless, dogs can drink certain herbal teas. You will have to make certain that they don’t contain any flowers, herbs, or foods that are dangerous to dogs.

About the Author
Dr. Dheena Sadik
Dr. Dheena Sadik is a consultant Nutritionist and Dietician. She has over a decade of experience in the health and fitness industry.
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