Reviewed By Joana Garrido DVM
Can dogs drink tea? Yes, many types of tea are safe for dogs to have. In addition, some teas have medicinal properties that can remedy various canine ailments, from alleviating nausea to preventing cancer.
However, not all teas are safe for your canine companion. Read on to know what kinds of tea are safe for them and which ones are not dog-friendly.
What Kinds of Tea Can Dogs Drink?
There are several kinds of tea that you can brew and enjoy. However, some of them can be harmful to dogs. Find out the teas that you can safely share with your furry pal.
Can Dogs Drink Earl Grey Tea?
No, do not give Earl Grey to dogs because it is a type of black tea. This means Earl Grey contains high levels of caffeine, which may harm your dog.
Other highly caffeinated black teas to avoid are Assam, Darjeeling, and Ceylon teas.
Can Dogs Drink Green Tea?
Yes, green tea is good for dogs. It is reported to have the same level of antioxidative properties as black tea.
Although it comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, it has lower caffeine concentrations compared to black tea. Thus, it is safer to drink for your furry friend in small amounts.
Green tea is the second least processed tea, so it is rich in antioxidants. It has several health benefits for dogs as well, from lowering cholesterol to inhibiting cancer.
Can Dogs Drink Iced Tea?
Yes, dogs can drink iced tea, provided it is all-natural and unsweetened.
Avoid flavored and diet iced teas since these contain ingredients such as sweeteners or sugar substitutes that are bad for your dog.
Can Dogs Drink Sweet Tea?
No, sweet tea can harm your dog in many ways. It contains sugar, which can cause various health issues such as tooth decay, digestive upset, obesity, and diabetes.
Some sweetened teas also contain a sugar substitute called xylitol. Unfortunately, this ingredient is extremely deadly to canines.
Can Dogs Drink Tea If It Is Decaffeinated?
Yes, it is okay for dogs to consume decaffeinated tea.
But bear in mind that it is not 100% caffeine-free. Thus, dog owners should take note of how much decaffeinated tea they give to their dogs.
What Are the Safer Alternatives to Tea for Dogs?
If you are looking for caffeine-free teas for dogs, herbal teas are a good choice. They provide your furry pal with health benefits without the danger of causing caffeine poisoning.
Here are some dog-friendly herbal tea options that you can try:
Can Dogs Drink Ginger Tea?
Yes, ginger tea is good for dogs. It can help reduce blood glucose levels and blood pressure. Ginger tea is also an effective and popular remedy for nausea.
Flushing out toxins and strengthening the immune system are the other health benefits of ginger tea to pooches.
Can Dogs Drink Chamomile Tea?
Yes, dogs can drink chamomile tea. It works well in soothing anxious or distressed dogs since it is a natural muscle relaxant and a sedative.
Chamomile tea is also an immune system booster and a remedy for digestive problems.
Can Dogs Drink Peppermint Tea?
Yes, peppermint tea is safe for dogs as it is caffeine-free. In addition, its minty scent will keep your dog’s breath smelling fresh. Peppermint tea is also a muscle relaxant and a pain reliever.
Some dog owners wonder, “Can dogs drink tea for an upset stomach?” Yes, dogs can drink tea for an upset stomach, but mind the type of tea used.
Peppermint tea is a good remedy for this health issue. It is used to alleviate several digestive problems, such as nausea, flatulence, and bloating. Likewise, dogs suffering from an upset stomach can benefit from it.
Can Dogs Drink Rooibos Tea?
Yes, they can. Rooibos tea is good for dogs since it is low in tannins and loaded with antioxidants. It has cancer-fighting properties as well as anti-inflammatory agents.
Rooibos tea can be applied topically to mitigate various skin problems, such as hotspots and allergic dermatitis.
Does Tea Have Health Benefits for Dogs?
Tea has health benefits that your canine companion can take advantage of. Here are the two important components of tea that are great for his health:
Packed with Antioxidants
Teas coming from the Camellia sinensis plant are popular because of their antioxidative effects on the body. These include:
- Black tea
- Green tea
- Oolong tea
They help eliminate free radicals, boost the immune system, and prevent cell damage. Inhibiting various types of cancer in dogs is also one of their most impressive abilities.
The antioxidants in tea also aid in reducing body inflammation. This is particularly useful to pooches experiencing chronic inflammation such as arthritis, hepatitis, and allergies.
Balancing blood sugar levels and lowering blood pressure are the other great perks of antioxidants. Thus, they help prevent diabetes and promote a healthy cardiovascular system.
Herbal teas contain antioxidants too. However, they have lower concentrations compared to teas made from the Camellia sinensis plant.
Contains L-Theanine
L-theanine is a type of amino acid that promotes relaxation and regulates mood. All kinds of tea coming from the Camellia sinensis plant possess this compound. L-theanine may help reduces stress and anxiety in dogs.
Is Tea Dangerous for Dogs?
Tea is not dangerous to dogs if consumed in small amounts. However, going overboard may lead to harmful consequences due to these reasons:
Certain Types of Tea Contain Caffeine
Teas made from the Camellia sinensis plant tend to possess higher levels of caffeine. Belonging to this category are black tea, oolong tea, and white tea.
How much tea can induce poisoning in dogs? One study states that caffeine toxicity would take up to 80 cups of tea to occur in an average dog like a Cocker Spaniel.
Some experts warn that 5 cups of tea is enough to initiate poisoning symptoms in small dogs.
Here are the signs indicating caffeine toxicity in your pooch:
- Collapse
- Hyperactivity
- Panting
- Restlessness
- Elevated heart rate
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Vomiting
These signs will appear around 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion. However, they could last for more than 12 hours. If your dog begins to show symptoms of caffeine poisoning, bring him to the vet straightaway for treatment.
Tea Has Tannins
Tannins are a natural chemical compound protecting the plant against predators by acting as a binder. Research shows that tannins can cause iron deficiency in humans by binding to iron from plant-based food.
It can affect dogs as well. Ingesting large amounts of tannins can lead to gastrointestinal problems, including vomiting and diarrhea. In a worst-case scenario, liver toxicity will occur.
Let us go back to the question, “Can dogs drink tea?” The answer is yes, they can, but serve tea to dogs in moderation, or else they can be toxic to them. Read on to know how much tea you should give your furry friend.
What Is the Appropriate Amount of Tea for Dogs?
It is fine to give your dog around 25 to 100 milliliters of tea. Adjust the amount according to his size.
We recommend that you offer tea to your pooch only once a week. Doing it regularly will increase the risk of caffeine toxicity.
Take note that a dog with an empty stomach should never be given tea.
How to Serve Tea to Dogs
Here is a guideline to follow when preparing and giving tea to your canine companion:
- Offer it warm. Avoid serving boiling hot tea as it will scald your dog’s tongue. Wait for at least 10 to 15 minutes for the beverage to cool down before letting him drink it.
- Many pawrents wonder: “Is it okay to give dogs tea with milk?” No, it is not okay to give tea with milk to dogs. As dogs grow older, most of them become lactose-intolerant and cannot properly digest any dairy.
Giving your dog tea with milk can cause digestive issues, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and bloating. To avoid these tummy troubles, only serve him plain tea.
- Skip adding sugar since it offers no major health benefit to your pooch. If you want to add some flavor to his tea, mix in raw honey or add a dash of cinnamon. Both of them are purported to have several health perks for canines.
- Avoid excessive serving. Always follow the ideal serving size of tea for dogs to lower the chances of caffeine poisoning after ingestion.
Teabags should be thrown away properly. Do not leave them around as these are choking hazards. If swallowed, they can obstruct your dog’s stomach and will need to be surgically removed.
Homemade Caffeine-Free Tea for Dogs Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 teaspoons fresh chamomile flowers
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1 cup filtered water
- Cotton teabags
Instructions:
- Rinse the chamomile flowers thoroughly and pat dry.
- Place them in a cotton teabag.
- Bring the cup of water to a boil in a small pot.
- Add the teabag and let it steep for 5 to 8 minutes.
- Remove the tea from the heat. Transfer it to a cup and let it cool until warm before serving it to your dog.
Note:
- Add ice cubes to the chamomile tea for dogs to help it cool quickly.
FAQs About Tea for Dogs
1. Can Dogs Drink Tea or Coffee?
Yes, dogs can drink tea in moderation. Low-caffeine or herbal varieties such as green tea, rooibos tea, and chamomile tea are safer options for canines since they are less likely to cause caffeine toxicity.
On the other hand, coffee in any form should never be given to dogs. They contain too much caffeine to be safely consumed by your dog.
2. How Does Tea Help Dogs?
Generally, tea helps dogs by strengthening their immune system because of its antioxidative properties. This ability aids in keeping cells healthy and soothing inflammations.
Teas derived from the Camellia sinensis plant have a relaxing compound called L-theanine. It has a calming effect on anxious or agitated canines.
3. Can Dogs Drink Tea with Milk and Sugar?
Dogs can drink tea with milk and sugar, but it would be a healthier option if they did not.
Most dogs are lactose-intolerant, so consuming milk will trigger digestive issues. Sugar does not provide remarkable health benefits and may increase the risk of health issues like diabetes, obesity, and periodontal problems.
4. Can Dogs Drink Lemon Tea?
No, dogs cannot drink lemon tea. Although it offers high concentrations of vitamin C, this beverage also has high citric acid levels.
Drinking it will upset the stomach of canines, resulting in gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pains and vomiting.
Summary
Teas made from the Camellia sinensis can be safely given to dogs in moderate amounts. It contains antioxidants, which boost their immune system, and L-theanine, which promotes improved mood.
However, opt for varieties with low-caffeine content, such as green tea to avoid subjecting your dog to toxicity. Another good alternative is to use herbal teas, which are caffeine free.
Speaking of caffeine poisoning, coffee poses a more significant risk of causing it to dogs. In our article, Can Dogs Drink Coffee, you will find out how different forms of coffee have different levels of toxicity to your furry pal.
