What happens if a dog drinks tea?

A few teas are safe for dogs to drink, such as barley tea, honeysuckle tea, and dandelion tea, but teas like black tea, green tea, and pu-erh can cause poisoning if consumed in excess. This is because tea contains caffeine and theophylline, which stimulate the dog’s central nervous and cardiovascular systems and can cause a range of symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, thirst, diarrhea, and vomiting.

In addition, tea contains tannins that can cause stomach discomfort in dogs or lead to poor nutrient absorption. If your dog accidentally drinks tea, observe it closely and seek veterinary care promptly if symptoms appear.