There’s no denying how much we love of good cup of tea as a country; it’s the perfect drink for many occasions. Whether you’re wanting a comforting drink or you’re catching up with friends, there’s nothing quite like a cup of tea.
It’s been reported that the UK population consumes over 100 million cups of tea every day. As a nation of tea lovers, it’s only natural to want to share your favourite drink with your furry friend.
We’re diving into all your tea-related queries in this blog, starting with the big one: can dogs drink tea?
Can dogs drink tea?
Whilst tea is perfectly safe for humans (depending on the amount you have daily), it’s not the best idea to give tea to your dog. It may be hard to resist if your four-legged friend starts giving you ‘puppy dog eyes’, like they do when they want something, but make sure you keep your tea out of their reach.
What happens if my dog drinks tea?
Most teas contain caffeine, and dogs are highly sensitive to it. Your furry friend will not be able to process the caffeine, and it can quickly cause high toxic levels in their systems. If your dog drinks tea, contact your vet as soon as possible for advice.
If your dog drinks tea, there are many symptoms that can arise which include:
- Vomiting
- Restlessness
- High heart rate
- Coma (in severe cases)
- Death (in severe cases)
There is no need for caffeine in your dog’s diet, so it’s best to avoid giving it to them.
Can dogs drinks tea with milk?
Adding milk to your cup of tea won’t make it any safer for your dog. In fact, it will make it worse as milk could cause stomach upset. Most adult dogs are lactose intolerant, so drinking milk can cause diarrhoea, gas or vomiting.
Can dogs drink decaf tea?
Decaf tea does have a lot less caffeine, but it still contains caffeine. Decaf tea also contains tannins, which are chemicals that are harmful dogs, leading to potential liver and kidney damage.
Can dogs drink herbal tea?
You may be thinking, most herbal teas don’t contain caffeine, which means you could share a cup of herbal tea with your dog. However, many herbs are toxic to dogs, and each blend can vary greatly in ingredients.
For example, some herbal teas contain certain plants that can upset your dog’s stomach or lead to more serious issues.
Can cats drink tea?
If you have a cat, you may be wondering if they can drink tea. Just like dogs, cats are sensitive to caffeine, and it will make them unwell if consumed. Avoid giving your cat any form of tea or milk.
Should I give my dog a cup of tea?
No matter what tea you’re drinking, to be safe, we always advise keeping your tea to yourself. Stick to pet-safe treats if you want to give your pet something tasty, rather than letting your furry friend have tea.
Treats should make up no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake. If you give treats to your dog, decrease their food intake by the same amount.
When it comes to drinks for your pets, ensure they always have access to fresh, clean water, as that will keep them well hydrated.
For more free and expert advice on looking after your dog, check our Pet Health Hub.