Dogs and Tea?

[Martine]

Is normal tea OK to give to dogs occasionally? When I was kid, my friend used to give her dog a drink of tea every day and the dog loved it. I'd forgotten all about it, then yesterday Misha tried to shake a paw while I had a cup of tea in my hand and it went down my leg and my blanket. She wouldn't stop licking the patch where it was, she couldn't get enough.

I'll happily give her a little of mine sometimes, but I don't want to poison her in ignorance. If I hadn't joined Chaz I wouldn't have known about chocolate, grapes etc.....so I'm just being cautious.

[filarotten]

I'm sure someone can give you better advise about tea, but I would think the caffeine in tea wouldn't be healthy for dogs.

[Athebeau]

fila is correct the caffeine in most teas would not be healthy. But, you can get decaffeinated teas. Green tea (decaffeinated) is a wonderful tea for antioxidants...and is very healthy. I have also heard of people giving their dogs essiac tea which is known as a blood purifying agent. It comes from the root of red clover and has protein, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and vitamin C & B complex.

If your dog enjoys cooled teas then you could make some wonderful herbal teas with an assortment of dried or fresh herbs. Get the book called herbs for pets by Mary L. wulff-Tilford and Gregory Tilford for some great ideas on teas that are great for your dog and how to make them.

You might even enjoy some new home made teas yourself.