TailVilleWhy
Green tea, black tea and matcha contain caffeine, just like coffee. Eating wet tea bags, loose leaves or matcha powder delivers far more caffeine than a few sips of brewed tea. Caffeine speeds the heart and causes hyperactivity and tremors. Diet supplements with green tea extract are even more concentrated.
How to give it / if eaten
If your pet ate a tea bag, leaves or matcha powder, call your vet or an emergency clinic right away, even without symptoms. Share how much, when and the packaging. Don't induce vomiting at home without a vet's instruction. A lick or two of brewed tea can often be watched.
Watch for these signs
Within 1โ2 hours: restlessness, hyperactivity, panting, vomiting and a racing heart. Severe cases can bring tremors, high body temperature and seizures.
FAQ
My dog chewed up a green tea bag.
A tea bag holds far more caffeine than brewed tea, and the string and paper can cause a blockage. Call your vet right away.
What about barley tea or rooibos?
Barley tea and rooibos are caffeine-free. See our barley tea page; fresh water is still the best way to hydrate.
General information only. Weight, age and health conditions change how a pet reacts, so ask your vet if you are worried.