Green Tea for Dogs: A Paws-itive Brew for Canine Health

Researched and written by Libby Halpin 

For centuries, green tea has been revered in human medicine for its impressive health benefits. But did you know this ancient brew might also offer a wealth of advantages for our canine companions? Backed by a growing body of scientific research, green tea for dogs is emerging as a compelling natural adjunct for various health concerns, from supporting immune function to calming irritated skin.

A Rich History and Powerful Energetics

Green tea, derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, boasts a fascinating history, with archaeological evidence suggesting its consumption dates back half a million years. Traditionally used in Chinese and Indian Medicine as a stimulant, diuretic, and astringent, it was also employed to improve heart health, regulate body temperature and blood sugar, promote digestion, and enhance mental clarity.

In terms of energetics, green tea is considered warming and drying, and its clinical actions are notable: it acts as a stimulant, antioxidant, and possible antimutagen.

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The Science Behind the Sip: Research-Backed Benefits

The remarkable health-promoting properties of green tea are largely attributed to its rich array of bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). While EGCG often takes the spotlight, research suggests that the overall preventive effect of green tea is a synergistic effort of multiple components working together [1]. Interestingly, green tea extracts are often more stable than pure EGCG due to the presence of other antioxidant constituents [1].

Here's a closer look at the research-backed benefits that make green tea a potential ally for your dog's well-being:

1. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Powerhouse

Green tea is a potent antioxidant, helping to neutralize harmful free radicals that contribute to cellular damage and aging. This antioxidative activity, combined with its anti-inflammatory properties, has been associated with:

  • Cancer Prevention and Adjunctive Therapy: Numerous studies in various models have shown tea consumption to offer protection against chemical carcinogen-induced cancers in organs such as the stomach, lung, esophagus, liver, and breast [2, 3]. The mechanisms are complex but include inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation [4].

  • Inflammatory Conditions: Green tea's ability to dramatically reduce nitric oxide production, a contributor to disorders like inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, and lupus nephritis, suggests its potential therapeutic role in managing inflammatory diseases in dogs [5].

  • Arthritis and Joint Health: Research indicates that green tea polyphenolic compounds can reduce inflammation in models of inflammatory arthritis and exhibit chondroprotective effects, inhibiting the breakdown of cartilage components like proteoglycan and type II collagen [6]. This makes it a promising natural support for dogs suffering from arthritis.

2. Gut Health and Diarrhea Support

Studies on rodent models have demonstrated that black tea extract (a fermented form of green tea) possesses antidiarrheal activity, suggesting a potential role for green tea in managing canine diarrhea [7]. The mechanism appears to involve the opioid system [7].

3. Combating Atopic Dermatitis

A study investigating the inhibitory effect of a green tea catechin extract on staphylococcal enterotoxin B (a common trigger in atopic dermatitis) showed that catechin inhibited cell activation in both in vivo and in vitro studies [8]. This suggests that green tea may be a useful adjunct in treating dogs with atopic dermatitis, a chronic allergic skin condition.

4. Weight Management Support

While more research is needed specifically in dogs, a study in rats showed that green tea extract prevented an increase in body fat caused by a high-fat diet, possibly through reduced digestibility and increased thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue [9]. This hints at green tea's potential role in supporting healthy weight management in overweight or obese dogs.

5. Antiparasitic Effects

In vitro studies have shown that hot water infusions and aqueous acetone extracts of green tea can inactivate infective larvae of sheep nematodes, indicating potential antiparasitic properties that could be explored further for canine health [10].

Topical and Internal Applications for Dogs

Green tea can be utilized both internally and topically for dogs, offering a versatile approach to their well-being.

Internal Use: How to Prepare and Serve

For internal use, a standardised green tea extract is often recommended due to its consistent potency.

  • Dosage: A general guideline for a standardised extract containing 80% polyphenols is The recommended dosage for dogs is 10-20 mg per kg of body weight, divided daily. A 5 kg dog needs 50-100 mg daily, while a 10 kg dog needs 100-200 mg. In pounds, an 11 lbs (5 kg) dog requires 50-100 mg, and a 22 lbs (10 kg) dog needs 100-200 mg daily. Make sure to measure the dosage accurately and spread it throughout the day for consistency.

    Preparation:

  • Directly in Food: Green tea extract can be easily mixed into moist food.

  • In Water: For powdered extracts, you can also add ½ to 1 cup (120–240 ml) of green tea (prepared as an infusion, see below) per 10 kg (22 lbs) of body weight per day to your dog’s water bowl.

    This equates to approximately 5.5–11 ml per kg or 2.5–5 ml per lb of body weight daily.

    Alternatively, that’s about 1 gram of green tea solids per 240 ml (1 cup) of infusion, though concentrations may vary.

  • Infusion Preparation for Internal Use: If using loose green tea leaves, prepare an infusion by steeping 3 grams of high-quality green tea in hot water for 3-5 minutes. Allow it to cool completely before adding it to your dog's food or water.

Topical Use: Soothing Skin Ailments

Green tea's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it excellent for topical applications.

  • Preparation for Topical Use: Prepare a plain green tea infusion by steeping 2-3 green tea bags or a tablespoon of loose leaf green tea in 1-2 cups of hot water. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes, then remove the tea bags or strain the leaves. Allow the tea to cool completely to room temperature or even chill it slightly for added soothing relief.

    Common Topical Uses & Instructions

    “Hot Spots" and Minor Skin Lesions:

  • Application: Gently dab the cooled green tea infusion onto the affected area using a clean cotton ball or soft cloth. You can also make a compress by soaking a clean cloth in the tea and applying it to the hot spot for 5-10 minutes.

  • Frequency: Apply 2-3 times daily or as needed to help reduce inflammation and irritation.

    Rashes and Irritated Skin:

  • Application: For larger areas, you can spray the cooled green tea infusion directly onto the rash (avoiding eyes and mucous membranes) or give your dog a localized bath using the tea.

  • Frequency: Apply as needed to soothe the skin.

  • Atopic Dermatitis (as an adjunct): While internal use is crucial, topical application can help manage flare-ups. Use as described for rashes.

Choosing the Best Green Tea for Your Dog

When selecting green tea for your canine companion, prioritise quality and safety:

  • Loose Leaf vs. Bags: Loose leaf green tea generally offers higher quality and a wider array of beneficial compounds compared to many tea bags, which can sometimes contain lower-grade tea dust.

  • Organic: Opt for organic green tea to avoid pesticides and herbicides that could be harmful to your dog.

  • Fair Trade: While not directly impacting your dog's health, choosing fair trade products supports ethical sourcing and sustainable practices, which is always a good choice.

  • Decaffeinated (for internal use): While caffeine interacts with polyphenols to improve anti mutagenic activity [11], it can be a stimulant and is best limited for internal use in dogs, especially those prone to anxiety or with pre-existing heart conditions. If using for internal administration, consider a high-quality decaffeinated green tea extract to minimize caffeine intake. For topical use, the amount of caffeine absorbed is negligible.

  • Avoid Flavored Teas: Steer clear of green teas with added flavors, sweeteners, or other ingredients that may be harmful or irritating to dogs. Stick to plain green tea.

Important Considerations and Contraindications

While generally safe, it's crucial to consult your veterinarian before incorporating green tea into your dog's regimen, especially if your dog has any underlying health conditions or is on medication.

Contraindications:

  • Renal Disease: Dogs with kidney disease may need to avoid green tea due to its diuretic properties.

  • Thyroid Hyperfunction: Given its stimulant nature, caution is advised for dogs with hyperthyroidism.

  • Anxiety: High caffeine content in regular green tea can exacerbate anxiety. If using internally, opt for decaffeinated versions.

  • Pregnant or Nursing Dogs: Use with caution and under veterinary guidance.

Toxicology and Adverse Effects:

When administered properly, green tea is generally safe. However, excessive consumption may lead to:

  • Hyperacidity

  • Gastric irritation

  • Reduced appetite

  • Obstipation (severe constipation)

  • Diarrhea

The Bottom Line

Green tea, with its rich history and scientifically backed benefits, presents a promising natural adjunct for supporting various aspects of canine health. From its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects to its potential roles in cancer prevention, gut health, and skin conditions, this ancient brew offers a holistic approach to well-being. Always remember to consult your veterinarian to ensure it's the right choice for your dog's individual needs.

Sources

  1. Williams SN, Shih H, Guenette DK, et al. Comparative studies on the effects of green tea extracts and individual tea catechins on human CYP1A gene expression. Chem Biol Interact 2000;128:211-229.

  2. Benelli R, Venè R, Bisacchi D, Garbisa S, Albini A. Anti-invasive effects of green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a natural inhibitor of metallo and serine proteases. Biol Chem 2002;383:101-105.

  3. Fujiki H, Suganuma M, Imai K, Nakachi K. Green tea: cancer preventive beverage and/or drug. Cancer Lett 2002;188:9-13.

  4. Katiyar SK, Mukhtar H. Tea antioxidants in cancer chemoprevention. J Cell Biochem Suppl 1997;27:59-67.

  5. Tedeschi E, Menegazzi M, Yao Y, Suzuki H, Förstermann U, Kleinert H. Green tea inhibits human inducible nitric-oxide synthase expression by down-regulating signal transducer and activator of transcription-1α activation. Mol Pharmacol 2004;65:111-120.

  6. Adcocks C, Collin P, Buttle DJ. Catechins from green tea (Camellia sinensis) inhibit bovine and human cartilage proteoglycan and type II collagen degradation in vitro. J Nutr 2002;132:341-346.

  7. Besra SE, Gomes A, Ganguly DK, Vedasiromoni JR. Antidiarrhoeal activity of hot water extract of black tea (Camellia sinensis). Phytother Res 2003;17:380-384.

  8. Hisano M, Yamaguchi K, Inoue Y, et al. Inhibitory effect of catechin against the superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB). Arch Dermatol Res 2003;295:183-189.

  9. Choo JJ. Green tea reduces body fat accretion caused by high-fat diet in rats through beta-adrenoceptor activation of thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue. J Nutr Biochem 2003;14:671-676.

  10. Molan AL, Sivakumaran S, Spencer PA, Meagher LP. Green tea flavan-3-ols and oligomeric proanthocyanidins inhibit the motility of infective larvae of Teladorsagia circumcincta and Trichostrongylus colubriformis in vitro. Res Vet Sci 2004;77:239-243.

  11. Huang MT, Xie JG, Wang ZY, et al. Effects of tea, decaffeinated tea, and caffeine on UVB light–induced complete carcinogenesis in SKH-1 mice: demonstration of caffeine as a biologically important constituent of tea. Cancer Res 1997;57: 2623-2629.