Our dogs are always around us, so we may be tempted to share some with them.
Is it acceptable for our canine companions to drink this soothing liquid?
We did some digging to find out if dogs can have herbal tea, and here’s what we discovered.
Can dogs have herbal tea?
Yes, dogs can have herbal tea in moderation.
Caffeine-free herbal teas without sugar or other sweeteners are safe for your pup.
They can be medicinal for your dog as a nausea remedy, inflammation reliever, anxiety cure, and aiding digestion.
However, some herbal teas may contain compounds harmful to canines, such as licorice
This article explores whether dogs can have herbal tea, tackling the benefits and risks of giving this drink to your canine companion.
It will also give insights on the best type of herbal tea for your dog and tips for preparing it.
Read on to learn everything about giving your dog herbal tea.
Is herbal tea good for my dog?
Herbal tea can be good for your dog for hydration and energy boost.
They also contain medicinal compounds such as alkaloids and antioxidants, which provide health benefits like lowering cholesterol levels and controlling conditions like cancer.
Chamomile, ginger, lavender, and peppermint tea are good choices for dogs.
It’s, however, essential to be aware that not all herbs may be safe for your dog.
Juniper berries, for example, found in some herbal teas, can be toxic to them.
Some herbal teas may also include stimulants, which will cause your dog to become restless and anxious.
It’s therefore vital to know the herbal tea you provide your dog.
How do I give my dog herbal tea?
If you want to give your dog herbal tea, prepare it correctly.
Dogs should only have caffeine-free varieties and those that don’t contain sweeteners.
If your dog is on medication, you’ll need to check with your veterinarian before giving them any herbal tea, as some herbs can interact with their medications.
To prepare herbal tea for your dog, start by boiling water, then add the herb you choose.
Steep the tea for 5-10 minutes before removing the herbs.
Let the tea cool before serving your dog.
You can give your dog herbal tea by adding it to their food or water bowl, pouring it into an ice cube tray, and giving them a tea-flavored treat.
Can I include additives in my dog’s herbal tea?
While preparing your dog’s tea, you may improve the flavor and sweeten it with a bit of sugar, honey, or lemon.
These additions can increase health benefits and make the tea more palatable.
Using only a tiny amount of honey or lemon is required, as high sugar amounts can harm your dog’s health.
Excess sugar can lead to obesity and other health problems for your pup.
Chocolate, cocoa, ginger, and cinnamon are some components in our tea.
Chocolate and cocoa are poisonous to dogs; therefore, we must be particularly cautious while preparing their tea.
Make your pets’ tea independently to prevent health problems.
Commercial tea bags for dogs are also available, which can be a convenient option.
It’s crucial to check the ingredients list to ensure the tea is appropriate for your dog and doesn’t contain added sweeteners.
Artificial sweeteners such as xylitol are especially dangerous for dogs and can cause problems even in small amounts.
Can I give my dog herbal tea with milk?
It’s not advisable to give your dog herbal tea with milk.
As this can lead to an upset stomach and subsequently, diarrhea.
If you want to sweeten your dog’s herbal tea, use a small amount of honey.
You may, however, provide your dog with lactose-free milk on its own.
This is a great way to introduce dairy into your dog’s diet if they are intolerant or have lactose allergies.
Can I give my dog other types of tea?
You can comfortably give your dog other tea types like safe mint and decaffeinated tea, albeit in moderation.
However, you should not give your dog green or black tea, as these varieties contain caffeine.
When offering your dog tea, choose a beverage that doesn’t contain caffeine.
What are the benefits of giving my dog herbal tea?
There are several potential benefits of giving your dog herbal tea:
Herbal teas that contain chamomile or lavender can be calming and may help to reduce anxiety. This helps to reduce stress for the dog.
Ginger tea may help to settle your dog’s stomach and relieve nausea.
Peppermint tea can aid digestion and freshen your dog’s breath.
Herbal teas are an excellent way to increase your dog’s fluid intake, which is vital for overall health.
Herbal tea will improve your dog’s digestion by stimulating bowel movements.
Herbal teas have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce swelling and ease joint pain. These teas can be a natural remedy for your dogs’ health problems. However, it’s crucial to talk to your vet before giving your dog any type of herbal tea as medication.
Some herbal teas, such as Echinacea, can help fight infection and boost your dog’s immune system.
When should I not give my dog herbal tea?
You should not give your dog herbal tea if they are pregnant or nursing.
The ingredients may not go well with unborn or newborn puppies.
In this case, speak to your veterinarian about what teas are best for your pet.
You should also avoid giving your dog herbal tea if taking any medications.
Herbal teas can interact with some medications and may cause problems.
What are the side effects of giving my dog herbal tea?
The side effects of giving your dog herbal tea are usually mild and include an upset stomach or diarrhea.
If you notice your dog has severe side effects, stop giving them the tea and contact your veterinarian.
Your dog may be uniquely sensitive to the compounds contained in herbal tea.
If you offer your dog herbal tea and notice symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, or difficulty breathing, seek veterinary care.
These are signs of a reaction.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Is herbal tea medicinal for dogs?
Herbal tea may have medicinal benefits for dogs, depending on the ingredients.
Chamomile and lavender tea may help calm an anxious dog, while peppermint tea can help digestion.
However, don’t substitute herbal tea for the dog’s medication.
Speak to your veterinarian before giving your dog herbal tea.
Yes, you can give puppies diluted herbal tea, as long as it doesn’t contain added sweeteners.
Puppies are more sensitive than adult dogs, so starting with a weaker concentration of tea is important.
Check with your veterinarian as well before giving puppies herbal tea.
How much herbal tea can I give my dog?
The amount of herbal tea you give your dog will depend on its size. A good rule of thumb is to offer no more than 1/4 cup (59 ml) of tea per day for small dogs, 1/2 cup (118 ml) for medium, and 1 cup (237 ml) for large dogs. Too much tea can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and obesity.
To conclude
There is no doubt that dogs can also enjoy the benefits of herbal tea, but it’s important to choose teas that are safe for them and do not contain caffeine.
Notably, the side effects of giving dogs too much tea are usually mild and include diarrhea or an upset stomach.
Remember, herbal tea may have medicinal benefits for dogs, depending on the ingredients.
For instance, chamomile and lavender tea may help calm an anxious dog, while peppermint tea can help digestion.
However, don’t substitute herbal tea for the dog’s medication.
Speak to your veterinarian before giving your dog herbal tea.
Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
