They're lucky they're cute...

Alexah · Apr 8, 2008

Well, I was in the kitchen, making my dinner (baked cracked pepper salmon), minding my own gosh-darn business...and Noell (our dog) came in and started playing. She played with the toy on the floor, with the contents of the garbage, and then finally with the full gallon of Arizona Iced Tea that was on the kitchen stool. I scolded her once, twice, and then moved the gallon up to the top of the stool where she wouldn't be able to easily reach. Yeah...right.

So I turn back around and pull the salmon out of the oven. And then I hear a crash, bam, boom, and my leg's soaking wet and the room smells oddly sweet. I turn around and what do I see?! The whole gallon jug of iced tea was on the floor...empty...and in pieces. And Noell was lapping it up like it was the best treat ever - wag, wag, wag. GRR!

I just spent I don't know how long mopping the floor. And that was after I sopped up all the iced tea with towels. Oh, and let's not forget how my dinner (the once-yummy salmon) is now burnt to a crisp. So now I'm eating a nice bowl of Cheerios. Hmm...I don't think I'll be trying the whole cooking thing ever again.

But don't worry, Noell enjoyed her sweet treat and I got my exercise for the day. All I can say is...THEY'RE LUCKY THEY'RE CUTE!

:grumpy::grumpy::grumpy::grumpy::grumpy:!!!!!

Leaf · Apr 8, 2008

How big is she? How much tea do you think she ingested? Tea can be as toxic as chocolate, to dogs.

Alexah · Apr 8, 2008

Oh my God! I didn't realize that the iced tea that she lapped up could be cause for major concern. I shooed her away pretty quickly so I don't think she got too much, but she did definitely get a few big licks in. She's about 40-45lbs. is my guess. She's sleeping now - definitely tired because of all the commotion she caused. What should I do? Should I treat this as an emergency?! Ohh...I hope she's okay.

Leaf · Apr 8, 2008

She's probably big enough that she didn't ingest too much.

Here's a theobromine breakdown in chocolate:

http://www.grapevine.net/~wolf2dog/chocolate.htm

Breakdown in tea:

Theobromine concentrations ranged from 1.4â2.3 mg/cup in instant tea, 1.2â4.4 mg/cup in bag tea, and 39.5â79.5 mg/cup in instant hot cocoa mixes.

http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2621.1983.tb14888.x?cookieSet=1&journalCode=jfds

I don't know how concentrate it is in the Arizona teas, but I'm trying to look it up now.

It looks like the one with lemon doesn't have any in it...

http://nutrition.whatfoods.com/nutrition/analyze.do?nutrients=263&group=1400&sort=HL

Take a look at the other tea types though - see how high their values can be per 100g? It looks like you guys lucked out as far as that goes but if you're concerned you can call your vet.

In chocolate, theobromine is a killer but that isn't the only product it's used in.

Alexah · Apr 8, 2008

I'm thinking she didn't ingest too much, but I really appreciate that you shared all of that info with me. The gallon jug was the green tea with honey and ginseng. I caught her right away so I really think she's okay, but I'll be definitely keeping an eye on her tonight. She seems fine right now, but it's worth keeping my eyes and ears open about. Thanks again...so much.

Leaf · Apr 8, 2008

I'm kind of embarassed for even causing a panic, but you never know. I don't even want to go into the ginseng... It's a salicylate, but there are so many variables on the type of ginseng used.

If you google this: salicylates ginseng toxic to dogs you'll see what I mean.