Red: toxic
No, tea is not for dogs. Tea contains caffeine, which appears on the ASPCA’s list of foods you should not give your dog.
Why tea is dangerous
Like theobromine in chocolate, caffeine belongs to the methylxanthines. The ASPCA lists possible effects including vomiting and diarrhoea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythms, trembling, seizures and, in the worst case, death. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, dogs are more sensitive to caffeine than people. One or two sips from a cup will not poison most dogs. Teabags or loose tea leaves, however, can cause serious poisoning. The more caffeine, the greater the risk.
What to watch out for
- Teabags: Do not leave used or unused bags exposed in the bin or on the table.
- Cups: Half-full cups on the coffee table are an invitation to curious dogs.
- Soft drinks and energy drinks: According to the Pet Poison Helpline, soft drinks and energy drinks also contain caffeine.
- Herbal tea: This entry does not apply to herbal or fruit teas. Ask your vet before offering any.
What if your dog drinks tea or eats teabags?
If your dog has got hold of teabags, tea leaves or a larger amount of tea, call your vet or an emergency service immediately. Be ready to explain which tea it was, ideally with the packet, roughly how much was consumed, when and how much your dog weighs. Do not give home remedies or try to induce vomiting yourself.
If you suspect poisoning, go straight to your vet or an emergency veterinary service.
Check whether your dog is getting the right amount of food in just a minute with our feeding calculator. Our book takes a closer look at feeding: “Hundeernährung und Futterplan” (book in German). For those first weeks with a puppy, try our free Puppy Starter Pack, and for a picture of your dog to hang on the wall, explore dog portraits from your own photo or choose a single portrait.
Further reading
- Puppy checklist: essential supplies and the first 3 days
- Calculating your dog’s food portions: how much your dog really needs
- Older dog, new rules: giving your senior their best years
Sources, accessed on 20.10.2026: ASPCA Animal Poison Control, People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets (Chocolate, Coffee and Caffeine); Pet Poison Helpline, Caffeine; MSD Veterinary Manual, Chocolate Toxicosis in Animals (methylxanthines theobromine and caffeine).
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