When you’re sitting on the sofa and relaxing with your evening cup of tea, you might find that your dog is hanging around too. Since you’re enjoying your cuppa so much, you might be wondering whether your dog can have a bit of tea too. We’ve got all the answers below. Take a look!
Can dogs drink tea?
Dogs can’t drink tea due to its caffeine content. Caffeine is toxic to dogs and can cause many health issues - even decaffeinated tea contains small amounts of caffeine so it’s still not recommended. When it comes to drinks for dogs, fresh water is always the best and safest option.
Can dogs drink tea with milk?
Dogs should not drink tea with milk. Black tea contains caffeine, and milk can cause digestive upset in dogs. In fact, too much milk can lead to:
- Vomiting
- Obesity
- Dog diarrhoea
- Pancreatitis
The signs may be more serious if your dog is lactose intolerant. See a vet if your dog has any of these symptoms.
Is tea bad for dogs?
In short, tea is bad for dogs due to its high caffeine content. This includes black tea, Earl Grey, oolong tea, white tea and caffeinated green tea.
Is caffeine bad for dogs?
Yes, caffeine is bad for dogs and can even be fatal in high dosages. They’re more sensitive to caffeine than humans, so smaller amounts can affect them more. Caffeine elevates a dog’s heart rate and can cause other major health issues as well.
Symptoms of caffeine poisoning in dogs
- Hyperactivity
- Dog seizures
- Higher than normal body temperature
- Restlessness
- Dog vomiting and diarrhoea
- Tremors
- Elevated heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Abnormal heart rhythms
If you spot any of these symptoms in your dog, be sure to contact your vet straight away.
Can dogs drink green tea?
Green tea isn’t usually recommended for dogs as it contains naturally-occurring caffeine, which is bad for dogs. Green tea is added to some dog foods because of its antioxidant properties and ability to help digestive health and aid fresh breath. However, this will be in small, controlled amounts.
Can dogs drink herbal tea?
Your dog can drink some herbal teas in moderation. Dogs can drink: chamomile, ginger, echinacea, rooibos and peppermint tea, however, fresh water is a better and more suitable choice. Before offering any of these drinks to your pet, make sure to ask your vet if this is a good idea.
Peppermint tea for dogs
Peppermint tea may help soothe upset stomachs and reduce feelings of nausea in dogs. It can also freshen their breath. It’s important to make sure the peppermint tea doesn’t contain any caffeine and that it’s given in moderation. Remember to also contact your vet before giving it to your dog.
Chamomile tea for dogs
Chamomile tea is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. People sometimes take it because it may help with digestive issues and reduce smooth muscle spasms in the gut wall. However, it is always best to seek veterinary advice for treating gastrointestinal disorders in dogs.
Before your dog drinks chamomile tea, make sure it’s been boiled and cooled.
Can I give my dog ginger tea?
Dogs can drink a bit of ginger tea in moderation but always check with your vet before giving it to them. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which may help with things like:
- Nausea from travelling with dogs
- Canine arthritis
- Gas and bloating
We hope this article answered the question ‘can dogs drink tea’? As you can see, some teas are a definite no, and others are fine in moderation. Next, check out our article to find out if dogs can eat pasta or not.
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