The full answer
Tea made from the Camellia sinensis plant, including black, green and oolong tea, contains caffeine. Caffeine belongs to the methylxanthines, the same group of stimulants involved in chocolate poisoning in dogs.
Pet Poison Helpline notes that one or two licks of tea are unlikely to cause poisoning, but tea bags and loose tea leaves contain much more caffeine and could cause serious toxicity.
Not every drink called "tea" is covered here. Herbal teas and decaffeinated tea aren't covered by this page's rating, and tea tree oil is a different substance altogether.
Risks and Things to Know
- Signs reported with caffeine toxicity include restlessness and hyperactivity, digestive upset, increased heart rate, heart-rhythm and blood-pressure changes, and neurological signs.
- Tea bags, loose leaves and tea-based products concentrate caffeine.
How much is okay?
Don't give tea to dogs. If your dog has had a lot, or got into teabags or loose leaves, call your vet.
How Should I Prepare It?
- Not applicable. Store tea bags and loose tea out of reach, and dispose of used bags where your dog can't get them.
