Is It Safe For My Dog To Drink Tea?
Many of us enjoy a lovely cup of hot tea! – especially after a cold winter walk. Drinking tea isn’t just warming and comforting – it’s a British institution – but can dogs safely drink tea too? Holidays4Dogs finds out.
Boiling the kettle and sharing a cup of tea with friends or, loved ones, happens in millions of households every day. A cuppa is a sign of empathy, sympathy, celebration and solidarity. Bonding over a cup of tea with strangers, or people in need, is a powerful tonic – so you may wonder whether you can share this warmth with your four-legged pal. Well, there are few things to think about before pouring your pooch a cup of Rosie Lee.
Caffeine.
Tea contains caffeine which can be toxic to dogs in large quantities. Caffeine found in tea plants stimulates the nervous system of humans who consume it. Dogs are much more sensitive to this. Therefore, it is wise to avoid giving your dog tea which contains caffeine.
Side effects of excess caffeine in dogs include;
Increased heart rate
High blood pressure
Restlessness
Hyperactivity
Vomiting
In, some cases caffeine can cause seizures. Even de-caffeinated teas are not always completely caffeine-free. In addition, milk and sugar are not good for dogs. Because some dogs are lactose intolerant, milk can cause stomach upsets. Sugar is not good for dogs, since it contributes to obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
In addition to caffeine, tea contains tannins which can be toxic to dogs in large volumes. So, it’s not looking good when it comes to sharing a welcome tea break with your four-legged friend.
Alternatives to the good old British cuppa.
Drinking the odd cup of tea is unlikely to cause any long-term problems, but other safer alternatives are actually good for your dog’s health – (and ours too!).
Chamomile tea – this tea is a natural sedative and therefore has a calming effect on people and dogs. It could help to calm anxious dogs and it has the added benefit of boosting the immune system.
Rooibos tea – another lovely tea full of antioxidants that are good for preventing heart disease as well as diabetes. It is also said to sooth itchy skin if applied topically.
Peppermint tea – this is a great tea for freshening your pooch’s breath. As well as this it’s a muscle relaxant, so it can relax the nasal cavity which helps improve breathing. Ideal perhaps for short nosed dogs.
Ginger tea – this is an anti-inflammatory tea as well as having great antioxidant properties. It has long been regarded as a good remedy for nausea.
You can also purchase tea specifically made for dogs.
If you’re interested in giving your dog a healthy dog treat to go with his cuppa – you can check out our article on healthy dog treat recipes.
Final thoughts.
As we have said, normal caffeinated tea – although not harmful in small quantities – is probably best avoided. Dogs will enjoy safer herbal teas just as much. It is also advisable to leave out milk, or sweeteners. If you like, however, you could add a smidgen of honey for a little extra taste your dog is sure to enjoy.
Now then…anyone fancy a cuppa?…
