What Liquids Can Dogs Drink?

What Liquids Can Dogs Drink?

Liquids that come from objects like chlorinated pools, toilets, alcoholic and caffeinated beverages should absolutely not be given to your dog. Due to the vast differences between a human and dog’s digestive systems, dogs should be given limited or basic refreshment. Dogs should only be given filtered or bottled water, and drinks solely marketed for dog consumption are okay to give to your curious canine.

Can my dog drink juice?

While some dog owners are willing to provide their dogs with that delicious morning OJ, that delight comes at a price. Dogs already have highly acidic stomachs to break down what they cannot chew, so giving them an acidic juice only exacerbates their discomfort. On top of that, juices come with added sugars that only further disrupt their entire digestive system.

What if my dog drinks caffeinated beverages?

While you may protest that you absolutely need your morning coffee to move about your day, a sleepy pup knows no difference. Giving your dog caffeinated drinks is not only unnecessary, but it is dangerous. Providing your dog coffee, tea, or sports drinks will not only induce hyperactivity, but will rapidly increase its heart rate, and could begin to induce vomiting.

Can my dog drink alcohol?

What may be a staple in human activity in times of glee and celebration, is something the dog physiology had no intention to consume. If a dog consumes alcohol, it will experience tremors, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, and even death. If you found your dog to have consumed alcohol, seek immediate veterinary aid.

What if my dog drinks coconut milk or coconut water?

It sounds safe, but what you did not consider was the potential toxic levels of potassium in the coconut milk and coconut water. In small amounts your dog may be okay, but if not carefully monitoring the dog's daily nutrition, then the potassium could inflict discomfort. Too much potassium in a dog's diet can cause diarrhea, an upset stomach, or even induce vomiting.

Can I give soda to my dog?

Akin to giving your dog juice, coffee, or tea, soda can seriously have negative effects on your dog. Most sodas contain caffeine which we know causes serious problems to a dog's entire system. On top of that, the extreme amounts of sugar and other added sweeteners can make your dog obese, or even diabetic.

What drinks are absolutely toxic to dogs?

Although most beverages will not completely kill your dog, there are some liquids which will require veterinary assistance. As mentioned before, alcohol is extremely dangerous, because a dog's kidneys are not made to process alcohol. Furthermore, other liquids include pesticides, antifreeze, Vitamin D, and grape juice.

What makes it so difficult for my dog to drink these liquids?

Dogs have vastly different digestive systems than that of us humans. Dogs do not have the necessary enzymes we do, and because they do not really chew, their stomachs are highly acidic. Due to this acidity and lack of enzymes, complex drinks like alcohol, coffee, or beverages with many additives can cause discomfort, or even illness.

What liquids are good for my dog?

While a dog may drink anything that is in front of them, only a select few of drinks can a dog really have. Things like filtered water, bottled water, and specific products made for only dog consumption are okay to give to your dog. Even though this seems extremely limited, dogs are just simply not physiologically meant to consume anything us humans are so accustomed to.

What about puppies who need to nurse?

When a dog is just born they obviously are not able to chew, and a liquid must be provided. Pups within four weeks of birth who are unable to eat solid foods must be given a canine specific nursing formula to drink. This formula will mimic nursing milk, and can be found at any local pet store, veterinarian clinic, or grocery store.

What if my dog accidentally consumes a liquid it should not have?

If your dog consumes a liquid it should not have, depending on the liquid, seek immediate veterinary assistance. Liquids like coconut milk or coconut water, fresh juices (except grape), and soda will give your dog a real uncomfortable time, so it is up to the owner if further assistance is required. However, liquids like coffee, tea, pesticides, alcohol, grape juice, and others listed above require immediate veterinary attention, and could put your dog in a serious health risk.

Who can I call if my dog is at serious risk?

If you find that your dog got into something it should not have, then there are multiple sources you can reach out to. If you already have a trusted or close veterinarian, immediately contact them first. For a more flexible approach, there are both online and 24/7 toll free phone lines to contact, which will provide immediate assistance.

What if I know my dog can handle most beverages anyway?

As the saying goes, ignorance is bliss. If you had not already known about the potential harm you could be putting your dog in, the chances are most dog owners probably do not know as well. Before it is too late, please share this information with your friends and family, and immediately end these dietary habits you have developed with your dog.

What if my dog does not like to drink water?

Like all mammals, a dog's primary concern is to survive. To survive, dog’s must drink water, because it makes up around 70% of its entire body! If your dog ceases to drink water, seek immediate veterinary assistance, as your dog may already be suffering from some type of degenerative disease.

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What liquids can your dog drink? Is it actually safe to give them something like orange juice or coconut water? What makes it so difficult for them to consume what humans do? Continue reading to find out!