Not Safe for Dogs
Medium dog serving: never
Key warning: all caffeinated tea (black green white oolong), herbal teas with unknown or unsafe herbs
Can Dogs Drink Tea? No — Caffeinated Tea is Toxic, Herbal Varies
This food is NOT safe for dogs. Keep it away from your pet.
Tea is not safe for dogs. All true tea (black green white oolong) contains caffeine which is toxic to dogs. Herbal teas that are caffeine-free may be safe depending on ingredients but many contain herbs that are problematic. Never give dogs caffeinated tea.
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Warning Signs & Symptoms
Caffeine in all true tea: cardiac arrhythmia seizures potentially fatal. Herbal teas: variable safety — chamomile is safe but many herbs are toxic. Tea bags: concentrated caffeine risk if chewed. Sweetened tea: high sugar content.
If Your Dog Ate This
Call vet or ASPCA Poison Control 888-426-4435 if significant amount consumed.
What to Avoid
all caffeinated tea (black green white oolong), herbal teas with unknown or unsafe herbs
Preparation & Serving
Call vet if caffeinated tea was consumed. Check ingredients of herbal teas before offering.
Did you know?
Tea is the most widely consumed beverage after water. The caffeine in tea evolved as a natural pesticide. Dogs are far more sensitive to it than humans.
Portions & nutrition
- Serving (small dog)
- never — caffeinated
- Serving (medium dog)
- never
- Serving (large dog)
- never
- Calories (per 100g)
- 1
- Safe frequency
- Never for caffeinated tea
Source
What You Need to Know
True tea from the Camellia sinensis plant — black green white and oolong — all contain caffeine that is toxic to dogs. Herbal teas that are technically not true tea may or may not be safe depending on the herbs. Chamomile tea is safe in tiny amounts. Peppermint tea in small amounts is borderline. Many herbal teas contain herbs like pennyroyal star anise or others that are toxic. Never give dogs caffeinated tea and verify all ingredients of herbal teas before offering.
Not sure what to do next? Read our emergency guide What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Toxic
Want to know what other dangers are hiding in your home?
Take the 60-second kitchen safety quiz to find out your dog's risk score.
Take the safety quizIf Your Dog Ate This — Act Now
- Dog Food Toxicity CalculatorCheck severity based on your dog's weight
- Emergency GuideWhat to do in the next 60 minutes
- Dog Poisoning SymptomsKnow what to watch for
- Dog Poisoning TreatmentWhat vets actually do
- Emergency Vet CostHow much will treatment cost?
- Best Pet InsuranceBe prepared before the next emergency
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