Can Dogs Have Ice Tea: The Perfect Treat For Summer?

Nothing cools a hot summer day like a tall glass of ice tea.

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Your loyal furry friend wants to join in on the refreshing fun.

However, you aren’t sure if dogs can have ice tea.

You regret your pet missing on this refreshing beverage, but nthen you do realize their health is a top priority.

So, can dogs have ice tea?

Dogs can enjoy ice tea in moderation, as long as it doesn’t contain caffeine.

Decaffeinated or herbal teas are the best options for your pup.

Ice tea is a refreshing and hydrating treat for your dog on a hot day.

However, avoid adding sweeteners, like sugar or honey, to your dog’s ice tea because they can cause stomach upset in dogs.

In this article, we’ll explore whether or not dogs can have ice tea, what kind of tea is best for them, and how to brew it for your pup.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about giving your dog the perfect summer treat.

Is it Safe to Drink Ice Tea with My Dog?

The main issue with dogs and tea is caffeine.

For instance, ice teas brewed from the Camellia sinensis plant have high caffeine levels, including oolong, white, black, and green tea.

A cup of black tea contains 47 milligrams of caffeine, while green tea has 28 milligrams.

In comparison, a can of soda has about 35 milligrams of caffeine.

Most dogs can’t metabolize caffeine well, which leads to health problems.

Caffeine is a stimulant that causes your dog’s heart rate to increase, leading to an irregular heartbeat.

Caffeine also causes your dog to urinate more frequently, which results in dehydration.

What are the Signs of Caffeine Intoxication in Dogs?

For an average dog, ingesting about 40 milligrams of caffeine per kilogram of body weight is enough to cause problems.

If you think your dog has ingested caffeine, look for these signs:

Restlessness
Panting
Increased heart rate
Muscle tremors
Seizures
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Hyperactivity
Elevated blood pressure
Abnormal heart rhythms
Elevated body temperature
Seizures
Collapse
Death.

If you think your dog has ingested caffeine, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What Benefits does Ice Tea Provide to My Dog?

During hot weather, it’s essential to keep your dog hydrated.

Dogs get heatstroke quickly, so it’s vital always to have refreshing beverage options on hand for your pup.

Ice tea is a hydrating drink that helps keep your dog cool in the summer heat.

Below are some of the benefits that ice tea provides to your dog:

Tea is an Antioxidant

Tea contains catechins, which protect the plant leaves from damage.

These catechins are also antioxidants that scavenge for harmful toxins in your dog’s body and help prevent cell damage.

Antioxidants slow aging and help keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny.

For instance, it acts on free radicals that contribute to skin inflammation and hair loss.

The antioxidation process also addresses the issue of diabetes, arthritis, and cancer in dogs.

Soothes Upset Stomach

If your dog experiences an upset stomach, give them a bowl of herbal ice tea to settle their tummy.

Chamomile and mint are two excellent herbal tea options for dogs with upset stomachs.

Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce stomach pain and vomiting.

Mint soothes the digestive system by relieving gas and bloating.

The Feel Good Effect

The presence of L-theanine in tea provides a calming effect for dogs.

This amino acid promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness.

The calming effect of L-theanine helps reduce stress and anxiety in dogs.

It also lowers blood pressure and heart rate.

Thus, it regulates your dog’s mood while improving focus and attention.

How do I Brew Ice Tea for My Dog?

Now that you know the benefits of ice tea for dogs, it’s time to learn how to brew this refreshing beverage.

Here’s a simple recipe for dog-friendly ice tea:

Peppermint Ice Tea

Ingredients:

½ cup fresh peppermint leaves
½ gallon of boiling water
¼ cup honey

Step by Step Preparation Process:

Step 1

Add the peppermint leaves to a half-gallon of boiling water.

Allow the tea to steep for five minutes. Remove the leaves and add honey to sweeten the tea.

Step 2

Pour the tea into a container and add ice cubes to cool it down.

Give your dog a bowlful of this refreshing beverage on a hot day to keep them hydrated and cool.

You can also store the leftover tea in the fridge for up to two weeks.

What Are the Safer Alternative Teas for My Dog?

There are various herbal teas available and beneficial for dogs.
Herbal teas don’t contain caffeine so they won’t cause the same side effects as regular tea.

Conclusion

Summertime shouldn’t curtail all the fun your dog can experience.

With some creativity, find ways to keep them cool and hydrated.

Ice tea is a refreshing and delicious beverage perfect for dogs on hot summer days.

This beverage not only keeps them hydrated but also provides many health benefits.

When brewed with herbal tea leaves, ice tea becomes an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamins.

It also helps settle an upset stomach and provides a calming effect for dogs.

However, mind the caffeine content in regular tea to avoid any side effects.

Thus, choose decaffeinated teas as safer alternatives for your dog.

With these tips in mind, enjoy brewing ice tea for your furry friend all summer.

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Megan Turner

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.