Tea has several health benefits for humans, and the beverage has been a popular one for centuries.
And, it helps beat the cold during wintertime.
So, many dog owners look to see if they can give their doggy friends some tea to help them out in the cold weather.
As you may already know, human foods aren’t safe for dogs to consume as some can end up being toxic and cause your furry friend to have an aversive reaction.
That’s why I feel it is a good idea to look up common food items before feeding it to your doggy.
So, it tea safe for your dog to consume?
In this blog post, I will answer the question, “Can dogs have tea?” and help you figure out everything there is to know.
Let’s begin.
Can Dogs Have Tea? Yes or No
Generally, dogs can have tea occasionally without facing any long-term side effects.
But, tea contains caffeine which is the only reason why giving it to your dog can be a little on the risky side.
However, your furry friend would need to drink at least five cups a day every day to reach the toxicity level.
While some teas are completely safe for your dog to have, others aren’t. So, you should know what’s safe and what’s unsafe.
In my opinion, you should give your dog warm water instead of tea is a better idea to keep him warm and hydrated during the winters.
Caffeinated Tea and Dogs: The Harmful Effects
Several teas such as chamomile and peppermint tea are completely safe for dogs to have as they are herbal and contain a high amount of antioxidants.
They also act as gentle astringents and help in treating inflammation, reducing skin irritations, and relaxing the muscles.
In fact, chamomile tea is a good choice for treating anxiety and insomnia in dogs and can even be used as a mild sleeping-aid for hyperactive pets and dogs that have problems with sleeping.
However, it is best to keep your dog as far away from caffeinated tea as possible.
Just as you would with caffeinated sodas. So, all black teas are a complete no-no. You should avoid giving your furry friend orange teas as well.
One cup of tea can have as much as 70 milligrams of caffeine.
While this isn’t too much, but, small amounts of caffeine can even cause dogs to have serious illnesses as it is toxic to them.
Too much caffeine can lead to a fatal condition called caffeine poisoning in dogs.
Tea Bags are Harmful for Your Furry Friend
As I mentioned earlier, chamomile tea is safe for dogs to consume. However, you should never give your dog tea with the tea bag still in as it is a choking hazard.
Keep tea bags, coffee, and all other caffeinated beverages on a shelf in your kitchen or pantry that your dog can’t possibly reach.
If you like having a cup of caffeinated tea, make it a habit of throwing the tea bag in the main bin so that your dog never gets his paws on it.
Tea bags contain a significant amount of caffeine in them which can even be fatal for smaller dogs.
So, keep the tea bags away from your dog!
After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
What to Do If Your Dog Accidentally Has Tea
If you suspect that your furry friend got his paws on some caffeinated tea or tea bags, you should look for the following symptoms of caffeine poisoning:
- Restlessness and hyperactivity
- Vomiting
- Abnormal or increased heart rate
- Increase in the blood pressure
- Tremors
- Increase in the body temperature
- Seizures
- Collapse
It is always a good idea to call your vet and ask for their opinion as to what you should do.
If you see any of the symptoms that I’ve mentioned above, call your vet immediately and seek emergency medical help for your doggy.
Time is of the essence in such cases.
Final Words: Can Dogs Have Tea?
Yes, dogs can have some teas as an occasional treat but, filtered water is still the best source of hydration for your furry friend.
Tea can be comforting and soothing during winter times but, it contains caffeine which isn’t good for your doggy friend’s body.
However, about five cups per day are what you’ll need to give to your dog for it to reach the toxic level.
But, it is safe to give your dog only non-caffeinated tea as long as you remove the tea bag as it’s a choking hazard for your furry friend.
After all, it is your responsibility to keep your furry friend happy and healthy!