Have you ever wondered whether dogs can have tea? As long as you are careful, dogs can drink tea, which are actually safe and healthy for them. For example, chamomile tea can be a flavorful drink for canines. However, you obviously can’t give your dogs hot tea, but it’s perfectly safe for them once the tea has cooled down to a warm temperature. Just make sure that you are not giving your dog any caffeinated teas, such as black or green. Read on to learn about the good and bad of tea for dogs.
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Caffeinated Tea Is Harmful To Dogs
There are several teas that are perfectly safe for dogs to drink, including peppermint tea and chamomile. These herbal teas contain antioxidants, and act as gentle astringents that may treat inflammation, reduce skin irritations, and relax muscles. Furthermore, chamomile tea for dogs is also good for anxiety and insomnia, and can be used as a mild sleeping-aid for pets who are hyperactive.
On that note, you should never allow your dog to drink caffeinated tea. This means that most black and orange teas are out of the question. A single cup of tea can have as much as 70 milligrams of caffeine. Even small amounts of caffeine can lead to serious illness in dogs because it is actually toxic for them. In fact, too much caffeine can cause caffeine poisoning, which can be fatal.
Don’t Let Your Dogs Have Tea Bags
Even if you are giving your dogs chamomile tea (which is safe for them to drink), you should never give them the actual tea bags as your dogs may choke on them. Also, if you drink caffeinated tea, never leave the bags where your dog can find them. The tea bags contain a significant amount of caffeine, and just one used tea bag could be fatal for smaller dogs.
What If Your Dog Accidentally Drinks Tea?
If you suspect that your dog has ingested caffeinated tea, you should watch them closely for signs of caffeine poisoning. Symptoms may include:
- Hyperactivity and restlessness
- Vomiting
- Increased or abnormal heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Tremors
- Elevated body temperatures
- Seizures
- Collapse
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.
Teas Your Dog Can Have
There are many teas that can offer lots of health benefits for dogs including chamomile and catnip tea. Chamomile tea is great for dogs because it’s soothing and can help them relax.
In addition, most herbal teas are safe for dogs, but it’s recommended to consult your vet before giving them any. Be sure to avoid green tea, as it also contains caffeine. Other teas that are safe for dogs include peppermint tea, Echinacea tea, and rooibos tea, all of which can help dogs with digestive problems. You may also give your dogs decaffeinated versions of teas that typically contain caffeine, like green tea or black tea.
Yes, Dogs Can Drink Teas without Caffeine
If you want to give your dogs tea, you should make sure that it doesn’t contain any caffeine. Also, teas given to your dogs shouldn’t contain any added ingredients like artificial sweeteners. Some herbal tea varieties may contain caffeine, so be sure to read the ingredients carefully before it to your dogs.