Tea Time with your Dog

With the new year upon us, there are so many exciting changes coming in 2013!  For the new year, one of our many resolutions is to strive to live a healthier and happier lifestyle.  As a result, these resolutions have inspired this week's post to introduce your dog to the benefits of tea.

This topic also happens to perfectly coincide with the main events occurring (at least for me) in January 2013.  One event being a 7-day juice cleanse, which will most likely end up being 3 days, and the start of the long anticipated 3rd season of Downton Abbey!

Isis from Downton Abbey

With that said, let's talk tea!

Up until now, you may have only considered tea for human consumption.  However, tea can offer many health benefits for your dog, such as promoting calming and healing affects.  We have tried to dedicate this post to leading you in the right direction when it comes to choosing tea for your dog.  As with any supplement to your dog's diet, be sure to consult your veterinarian before introducing an addition to their diet.  Also, be sure to test small quantities of tea with your dog to ensure there is no allergic reaction.

Suggested Teas and their Benefits:

Herbal Teas - Teas within this category have several benefits for your dog.  Of the herbal teas, chamomile is the most popular.  The anti-inflammatory properties contained in the chamomile flower help soothe dry, itchy skin.  This tea also aids in easing digestion for dog's with primarily dry food diets, and can serve as a powerful calming agent for anxious pooches.

Green Tea - This tea is most notable for being packed with anti-oxidants and immune-boosting powers.  Green tea is powerful not only in keeping your dog healthy, but can help promote healthy teeth and better breath.  Many retailers have jumped on the "Green Tea Bandwagon" and you can find various ways to incorporate its benefits into your dog's diet.  Caution:  Be sure not to incorporate too much into your dog's diet as this can be toxic to their digestive system

Black Tea - There are many different types of tea, and you are probably most familiar with Earl Grey or English Breakfast when it comes to black teas.  This group of teas has powerful anti-inflammatory affects on the digestive tract and can be a powerful remedy for dog's suffering from extreme digestive issues.  Dog's with upset stomachs and diarrhea can benefit greatly from having just a bit of this poured into their water dish.  Not only will this curb their discomfort, but will help hydrate in the healing process.

The teas discussed above are a good place to start when introducing your dog to tea.  They are most likely to be found in your pantry and local grocery store.  If you don't want to brew your own tea at home, or you are looking for a specialized blend, we suggest you take a look at some of our favorite herbal blends listed below.

Teas we LOVE!

• Machu's Blend - Tea for Dogs by The California Tea House = Named after the owner's Great Dane, Machu Picchu, this tea contains chamomile, ginger root, fennel seed, skullcap and calendula to create a wonderful herbal supplement.  The tea boasts such benefits as supporting a healthy skin and coat, as well as, reducing stress and stomach discomfort from indigestion.
• http://www.californiateahouse.com/Herbal 
• products range from $5 - $26

• Quiet Tea by The Honest Kitchen = Ingredients include oat straw, chamomile, passionflower, skullcap and Valerian root.  This tea is great for promoting calming and anxiety-reduction during stressful situations, such as travel, separation anxiety, thunderstorms, and so forth.
• http://www.thehonestkitchen.com/products/quiet-tea/ 
• priced at $10.99

• Lithe Tea by The Honest Kitchen = Contains alfalfa, white willow bark, yucca, ginger, red clover and boswellia.  This tea is great for aging and large-breed dogs that require supplements for bone and joint function.
• http://www.thehonestkitchen.com/products/lithe-tea/ 
• priced at $10.99

Enjoy your next tea time and don't forget to invite your pup!

Love,

A & A