Can dogs drink tea?
No, caffeinated tea is not for dogs. Tea contains caffeine, which is toxic to dogs. A small taste is unlikely to harm, but larger amounts can be dangerous, especially for small dogs, and eaten tea bags can cause serious poisoning.
Updated:
Why
Many teas contain caffeine, which overstimulates a dog's heart and nervous system. Dogs are more sensitive to caffeine than people. One or two licks of tea are unlikely to poison, but swallowed tea bags can cause serious toxicity.
Signs to watch for
- Restlessness, hyperactivity, pacing
- Fast heartbeat
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Drooling
- Trembling
- Peeing more
What to do
Contact your vet or a pet poison helpline as soon as you realise your dog has had caffeine. Note what it was (drink, grounds, beans, tea bags) and roughly how much. Don't wait for signs: early treatment matters.
24-hour help by country →Questions and answers
My dog licked my cup. Is that an emergency?
One or two licks are unlikely to poison most dogs. If your dog drank more, or ate grounds, beans or tea bags, call your vet or a pet poison helpline.
What if my dog ate a tea bag?
Tea bags can cause serious caffeine poisoning. Contact your vet or a pet poison helpline right away.
Related foods
All foods: What can dogs eat?Sources
- Caffeine Are Toxic To Pets — Pet Poison Helpline
- Caffeine Toxicity in Pets — VCA Animal Hospitals
- Which Human Foods Can Dogs Eat and Which Are Dangerous? — American Kennel Club (Updated Oct 21, 2026)
- Poisonous foods for dogs — Blue Cross
General information from the sources below, not reviewed by a vet and not a substitute for veterinary advice. When in doubt, call your vet.
How kids practise this in PetPrep
In PetPrep a child looks after a realistic dog: meals at the right times, water, walks and care. Knowing what is safe to share is part of being ready for a real pet.