Suspect poisoning? US: ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · UK: 01202 509 000 · Severe symptoms → nearest emergency vet now.

My dog ripped open and ate a single-serve packet of green tea matcha powder — is this a hidden caffeine emergency?

Dogs · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

Yes, this is an emergency. Matcha powder is concentrated green tea leaves, making it a potent hidden source of caffeine. Even a small packet can contain enough caffeine to cause vomiting, tremors, elevated heart rate, and seizures in a dog, depending on its size. Do not wait for signs to appear. Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 immediately for guidance specific to your dog's weight and the amount ingested.

Tea leaves & teabags — Food safety facts

Do not feed · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page

Caffeine like coffee — a dog that eats loose tea or a teabag can get vomiting, tremors and a racing heart. Emergency for larger amounts.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Do not feed), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Tea leaves & teabags should not be given to dogs at all. Even a small amount can do harm, so there is no portion small enough to be safe.

Do not induce vomiting and do not give milk or oil to “dilute” it. Note the food and roughly how much was eaten, then call your vet or a pet poison hotline and follow their advice on whether to bring the pet in straight away.

Why these cautions matter

Caffeine overstimulates the heart and nervous system, and pets clear it so slowly that tremors and restlessness drag on far longer than they would in a person.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Tea leaves & teabags food facts page.

Open the full food page: Tea leaves & teabags food facts →