Can dogs drink tea?

Raw, cooked and other forms of tea

• Skip itA lick or sip of brewed tea Unlikely to poison most dogs, but caffeinated tea is still a hazard. Water is best.
• ToxicTea bags (used or unused) and loose tea leaves Concentrated caffeine; one bag can be too much for a small dog, and the bag and string can get stuck.
• ToxicGreen tea pods One whole green tea pod can cause severe signs in a medium dog.
• A littleDecaffeinated tea Pet Poison Helpline says decaf tea is not toxic to dogs.

Why dogs should skip tea

Caffeine, a stimulant that affects the heart and nervous system. Dogs are more sensitive to it than people. Tea has less caffeine than coffee, so signs are similar but usually milder, while dry tea bags, leaves and pods are much more concentrated.

Signs to watch for after she eats tea

Restlessness, hyperactivity, pacing, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, fast heart rate, high blood pressure, overheating, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures. Signs often start 1-2 hours after she drinks or eats it and can last 12-36 hours.

What to do if your dog ate too much tea

If she had a small lick of brewed tea, watch her and keep fresh water out. If she ate tea bags, leaves or a tea pod, or shows any signs, call your vet and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away. Acting quickly matters. Do not make her vomit at home.