Tea may make for an enjoyable hot drink, but it should generally be avoided by dogs due to its high caffeine content, which can lead to anxiety, restlessness, digestive problems and even heart rhythm abnormalities. There may be better herbal alternatives available that might provide support for their wellbeing.
As much as it would be wiser for your pet to avoid drinking tea altogether, some herbal infusions may actually prove beneficial for them. The key is finding one suitable for your pup; usually depending on which herb is chosen. Chamomile and peppermint have long been associated with helping calm dogs experiencing anxiety; ginger can aid digestion while alleviating nausea; some tisanes contain L-theanine which has proven calming properties; it’s best to choose tea without added sugars or milk as these could potentially be detrimental.
As a rule of thumb, it’s recommended that rooibos tea or bone broth is usually safe for dogs. When giving your pup any type of tea or beverage for that matter, make sure it is brewed to the appropriate temperature; begin slowly increasing concentration levels as soon as you know what works with your canine companion.
Tea refers to leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant, which should not be consumed in large amounts by dogs. However, other forms of herbal teas such as dandelion can provide benefits in certain situations for your pup, such as stimulating appetite and aiding digestion while acting as a detoxification support with plenty of dietary fibre content.
Herbal infusions such as hibiscus can aid your dog’s digestive process while rosehip tea supports healthy blood sugar levels and decrease inflammation. Combine these herbs with beneficial ingredients such as apple, cinnamon and ginger to craft customized blends that meet the specific needs of your dog. As a general guideline, it’s recommended that a ratio of one part tea to two parts water should be used and any sweeteners added sparingly as these can be toxic for dogs. Furthermore, it’s crucial that any herbal infusion offered at too hot a temperature causes discomfort for your pup – in turn helping alleviate anxiety, relax them and boost immune systems; but generally best left at this until approved by a vet.