You might not know it, but if you live in England like me, then there’s a good chance you love your cups of tea as much as I do. The question is: Can we share our brews with our beloved pets? We might be able to. However, there are a few conditions. You will need to keep out certain ingredients to make it safe for your dogs. Let’s find out which ingredients to leave out and how best to serve tea to a dog.
Dogs may enjoy the occasional cup of tea without milk, sugar or sweeteners. Caffeine is highly toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems, so be sure that it’s decaffeinated.
We now know that dogs can have decaffeinated tea without any milk, sugar or sweetener. Make sure when you give your dog a bowl of tea, it’s cooled down to room temperature, and only give tea to dogs in moderation.
Why can’t dogs have caffeine?
Caffeine is toxic to dogs and can cause an array of issues. Even the smallest amount can cause caffeine poisoning in dogs.
Caffeine poisoning symptoms in dogs
- Vomiting
- Hyperactivity
- High body temperature
- Panting
- High blood pressure
- Restlessness
- Pacing
- Seizures
If your dog is showing any of the above signs, you must seek some professional help. Quickly spotting the signs is of utmost importance.
Lactose-intolerant
The commonly used ingredient added to tea is milk; never give your dog milk as it contains high fats, sugars and can lead to complications. If your dog is lactose-intolerant, it’s even more important never to give them any dairy products since this could lead to severe gas and abdominal pain.
Herbal Tea
Chamomile Tea
Can dogs drink Chamomile Tea?
Yes, dogs can drink small amounts of Chamomile Tea. However, it must be caffeine-free only. Chamomile tea has a calming effect and can help with mild anxiety in dogs. Chamomile can also help dogs with upset stomachs. Be sure to remove the teabag and always give it to your dog at room temperature.
Benefits of Chamomile Tea
- Calming effect
- Relieves upset stomachs
Warning
Portion control is vital with Chamomile Tea. It can cause mild diarrhoea or vomiting if consumed too much. Depending on the size of your dog, they only need 25ml to 100ml for large dogs at any one time.
Where does Chamomile Tea come from?
Chamomile tea originated in Egpyt thousands of years ago, and it’s from the plant chamomile. The flowers are dried and mixed with hot water to make the Tea.
Green Tea
Can dogs drink Green Tea?
Yes, dogs can drink small amounts of Green Tea. However, it must be caffeine-free only. Green Tea has many health benefits to dogs and is full of antioxidants. Green Tea can lower the risk of cancer and improve your dog’s overall health. Be sure to remove the teabag and always give it to your dog at room temperature.
Benefits of Green Tea
- Lowers the risk of cancer
- Improves general health and immune system
Warning
Portion control is vital with Green Tea. It can cause mild diarrhoea or vomiting if consumed too much. Depending on the size of your dog, they only need 25ml to 100ml for large dogs at any one time.
Where does Green Tea come from?
Green Tea originates from China and is made using a species of an evergreen shrub called Camellia Sinensis. The leaves and the bud from the shrub are cooked and dried to make the tea.
Peppermint Tea
Can dogs drink Peppermint Tea?
Yes, dogs can drink small amounts of Peppermint Tea. However, it must be caffeine-free only. Peppermint tea has many health benefits for dogs. Peppermint Tea can improve your dog’s overall health, freshen breath and can be used as a flea repellent. Be sure to remove the teabag and always give it to your dog at room temperature.
Benefits of Peppermint Tea
- More energy
- Freshen dog breath
- Can aid in weight loss
- Hydration
- Flea repellent
Warning
It can cause diarrhoea or vomiting if consumed too much. Portion control is vital with peppermint tea. Depending on the size of your dog, dog’s should only be offered given 25ml and up to 100ml for large dogs at any one time.
Where does Peppermint Tea come from?
Peppermint tea is from Europe and Asia. Its been around for thousands of years and comes from herb plants called Mentha Piperita and Mentha Spicata.
Conclusion
We now know that traditional Tea commonly on the shelves are not safe for our dogs, although you can give them decaffeinated Tea and herbal teas but only a small portion at a time. You may think to yourself, is it really worth it? Do I need to give my dog Tea? Well, that is up to you, and I hope you can now make a better decision with the information I have presented to you.
