Coffee and tea are two of the most widely consumed beverages across the world. Dogs, being our beloved furry four-legged companions, often join in on the fun – whether that’s sitting in our lap with a hot beverage or sipping from our own cups. But can a dog’s system safely handle these beverages? Can dogs even drink coffee and tea?
Probably the first thing to consider is the amount of caffeine. A single cup of coffee contains around 95-165 milligrams of caffeine, while an 8 ounce of black tea contains between 14-70 milligrams of caffeine. That’s quite a difference – even if a dog only had a few sips of coffee, they’re still likely to consume a large enough amount of caffeine to make them ill. On the other hand, a few sips of tea contains too little caffeine to cause any real issues or harm.
In terms of toxicity, coffee and tea both contain compounds that can be harmful to our furry friends – the most notable being xanthines. Xanthines, which are prominent in coffee and tea, can cause a decrease in your dog’s heart rate, vomiting, restlessness, increased urination and diarrhea if consumed in large quantities. That said, it would take an incredible amount of coffee or tea for your pup to be affected.
Moreover, the artificially-flavored cream, sugar, and other additives present in many coffee and tea drinks can be toxic to your pup. The sweetener xylitol and various artificial sweeteners can be life-threatening to both cats and dogs, while creamers and syrups can contain high levels of sodium, fats, and artificial sweeteners. Even the amount of dairy in a latte or cappuccino can cause digestive disruptions.
Veterinarians widely agree that coffee and tea are not recommended for dogs to drink. The safest and healthiest option would be to simply not let them have either of these kinds of drinks. Nonetheless, if you have to give your pup a small sip of either beverages and it is done in moderation – with no cream, sugar, nor sweeteners added – it’ll likely do no harm.
Types of Tea
It is widely accepted that tea, when consumed in moderation, is beneficial for humans – so it’s no surprise that many pet parents might be interested in sharing their cup of tea with their pup. There are different types of tea and some are more beneficial for dogs depending on the health benefits that are associated with each type. For instance, certain herbal teas such as chamomile can serve as naturally calming agents, while green tea can offer an energy boost.
Additionally, herbal teas have medicinal properties. For instance, dandelion tea can help support a healthy liver, while ginger and peppermint teas are known to soothe stomach pains. These types of teas can be beneficial for a pup when consumed in moderate quantities but one must be extremely careful of artificial additives and sweeteners that could cause harm.
Moreover, a herbal tea designed specifically for dogs will be the safest way to enjoy the health benefits of tea with your pup. But, if looking to give your pup a cup of loose-leaf tea, it is always best to err on the safe side and consult with a veterinarian before providing herbal tea for your pet.
Risks of Coffee and Tea Drinks
Coffee and tea drinks from cafes can contain a variety of additives that can do more harm than good for dogs – cream, milk, sugar, artificial sweeteners, and syrups can all be dangerous if consumed. Even if a dog consumes a small amount of these additives, it can still cause serious digestive issues as well as other health risks.
Aside from the additives, coffee and tea drinks are also quite high in acidity, especially coffee. This acidity can lead to stomach discomfort and a stingy sensation in your pup’s mouth. So while it might seem like a good idea to let your pup have a sip of your coffee or tea, it’s better to just not let them have it altogether.
Hazards of Coffee Products
Coffee products, like coffee grounds and beans, which can often be found at the very bottom of a coffee cup, are also hazardous for dogs. Coffee grounds, in particular, can contain high levels of caffeine as well as other toxins that can be dangerous for a pup. Additionally, coffee grounds can also be a choking hazard – they can stick to the throat and cause a blockage.
Coffee beans can also be hazardous as they contain caffeine, which can cause the same issues as a cup of coffee would. However, the biggest risk associated with coffee beans is the potential of them being a choking hazard – the beans can get stuck in the dog’s throat and cause a blockage.
Chocolate – which is often an added ingredient in gourmet coffee drinks – is also highly toxic for dogs. The main component in chocolate that is poisonous to dogs is theobromine, and as little as two ounces of chocolate can be lethal for a 10 pound dog. So it is essential to make sure that your pup does not consume any coffee-chocolate products.
Alternatives for Dogs
If you’re looking to share something special with your pup – like a hot cup of something – there are several options out there that can help you do that without risking their health. One option is to make a pup-safe tea. This can be done by boiling some water and adding an assortment of simple and safe ingredients, such as chamomile or oat straw, and letting it steep for a few minutes. This tea can, then, be cooled down and served to your pup.
Another option is to make a pup-safe herbal decoction. A decoction is a combination of boiled herbs and spices, and it can be an easy and safe substitute for regular tea or coffee. This can be done by boiling water and adding in other healthful ingredients and spices to create a tea-like drink for your pup.
You can also opt for pup safe coffee alternatives. These alternatives are made of natural ingredients like chicory root and grains, therefore, they don’t contain caffeine or any of the toxic compounds found in regular coffee. These concoctions are also not acidic, so they can be consumed without worry.
Safety Measures
It is essential to remember that all modifications of coffee, tea, or other hot beverages are not meant for regular consumption in dogs. It is always best to err on the side of caution and keep these products away from your pup. As stated before, the safest route to take is to avoid giving your pup anything to drink besides their regular diet and water.
Nonetheless, if done in moderation and without any added artificial or sugary agents, occasional sips of tea can be safe. However, it is best to consult with a veterinarian beforehand if considering offering your pup a cup of tea.
What to Know Beforehand
In conclusion, it is important to know that coffee and tea can pose a significant risk to the health and safety of your pup, primarily due to their high caffeine content and potential for hazardous additives. Additionally, coffee grounds and beans, as well as coffee flavored products like chocolate can also be hazardous to dogs. As such, the safest way to go would be to avoid giving your pup any coffee or tea at all.
But, if looking to share a special drink with your pup, there are several pup friendly alternatives out there – some options include herbal teas, herbal decoctions, and pup-safe coffee alternatives. That said, as with anything, it is always best to take caution and err on the safe side and consult with a veterinarian before giving your pup anything besides their regular diet and water.
