Can My Dog Drink Tea?

Having a cup of tea is a great way to unwind in the afternoons, plus it has a lot of health benefits. But what if your dog tries to sneak a sip of your afternoon brew? Is he/she in danger?

Yes. Dogs can’t safely drink tea due to its high caffeine content and the presence of certain artificial sweeteners. Let’s explore how tea can affect dogs more closely.

Why Dogs Shouldn’t Have Tea

Certain teas contain the same stimulant that is in coffee called caffeine. While this may be great for humans who need the jolt of energy, dogs are way more sensitive to this stimulant. This can lead to a dangerous increase in heart rate which can occur alongside agitation and restlessness.

Other symptoms include:

• Vomiting
• Increased body temperature
• High Blood Pressure
• Irregular heartbeat
• Panting

At high doses, it can cause comas in dogs and even death.

What To Do If Your Dog Drinks Tea

Before you start panicking, think about how much tea your dog drank. If it was a little sip, your dog will probably be okay, especially if your dog is a larger breed. In this instance, stop your dog from drinking more and observe any symptoms. It is estimated that the dosage for experiencing negative symptoms is 9mg of coffee per pound.

If your dog has consumed a lot of coffee, call the Pet Poison hotline and take your dog to the vet immediately. Treatments include activated charcoal to absorb toxins and to induce vomiting. Many dogs have to use an intravenous drip to help flush and hydrate the system.