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

My 12 kg Cocker Spaniel ate leftover chicken stew that had loose tea leaves in it — is this a caffeine emergency?

Dogs · Food safety

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

Short answer

Yes, it's an emergency. The caffeine in those tea leaves is just as dangerous as the caffeine in coffee grounds, and it's already mixed into the stew your dog consumed. A 12 kg dog that eats a stew containing tea can develop vomiting, tremors, and a dangerously fast heart rate within a few hours. The fat and broth in the stew won't protect them—it just means the caffeine is already dissolved and ready to be absorbed. Call the ASPCA poison line at 888-426-4435 or your emergency vet immediately; do not wait for signs to appear.

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.

Tea leaves & teabags has no place in everyday feeding: keep the rest of the day's food unchanged after this and watch the next walk and the stool that comes with it.

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 →