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Iced tea is a chilled drink that many people enjoy on a warm day! Tea goes with just about any food and is simply refreshing! The only problem with tea is that our canine companion may get the urge to try what you’re enjoying. But can tea be harmful to dogs?
Has your dog drunk some iced tea? Are you worried the iced tea will make your dog sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be concerning when your dog drinks something like this.
In this article, we’ll take a look at tea and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Iced Tea?
Iced tea is usually made from black tea leaves that have been brewed to create a liquid. The liquid is tea, which may be served over ice to make iced tea. Iced tea may also contain other ingredients such as sugar, fruit, and other flavorings.
According to the Tea Association’s fact sheet 2019-2020, about 159 million Americans drink tea each day! They also found that people in the South and Northeast drink the greatest amounts of tea. Who knew?
While pet parents can safely enjoy tea, what about dogs? Is tea harmful to dogs?
Iced Tea & Dogs
Iced tea is not toxic to dogs; however, the ingredients and substances in the tea could make a dog sick. For instance, black tea contains caffeine, which is toxic to dogs. However, tea doesn’t contain high levels of caffeine. While tea doesn’t contain a lot of caffeine, it is possible that even a sip or two of tea would be enough to make a small dog very sick.
In addition to caffeine, tea contains a substance called tannins. Tea plants use these substances to protect themselves against predators and can make a dog sick. If a dog drinks enough tea, it’s possible he could develop liver toxicity and digestive tract issues.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Caffeine Toxicity in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has drunk some tea:
- Vomiting
- Restlessness
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
Keep in mind that it can take up to 80 cups of tea for a medium-sized dog to make the dog sick and cause these symptoms. However, for a small dog, enough tea could make him very sick.
So, if you notice these symptoms in your fur baby or believe he’s had some tea, then we recommend calling the vet right away.
In most cases, your dog should be just fine, but it’s best to check with the vet to make sure!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
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