Drinks That Are Poisonous For Dogs
Are you that dog parent who starts hunting around the kitchen looking for something more interesting to spice up your dog’s beverage imagining your dog is bored with the same old water in its bowl? Have you ever thought about sharing your beverages with your dog? Have you ever wondered what else can dogs drink other than fresh water to keep itself hydrated?
Well, you might be surprised at the number of human beverages that are a big ‘no’ for dogs! Before sharing your eye-opening morning coffee or your relaxing after-work beer with your canine companion, see which common human drinks get a green or red light for dogs.
Always remember our dogs’ bodies are not built the same way as ours. So they can’t handle the same level of sugar, caffeine and other ingredients that are safe for us.
Because dogs have a different metabolism than humans, feeding human foods to dogs can be very dangerous for their health and may even be fatal in some cases. It is very essential to be aware of all these toxic drinks because prevention is always the main key in protecting the health of the animals we love and care about.
Here is a detailed list of some common household drinks and liquids which are not safe for dogs:
1. Milk:
Milk is a good source of calcium for us, but isn’t such a healthy choice for our dogs.
That’s because many dogs are lactose intolerant – milk can upset their stomach, give them gas or cause them to bloat. It used to be common for people to give milk to puppies.
Milk is high in fat and natural sugars. If your dog has too much fat or sugar in his diet, it can lead to serious issues like obesity and pancreatitis.
2. Alcohol:
ome people think it’s funny to give their dog beer, wine or other alcoholic beverages, but there’s nothing humorous about it.
Alcohol is toxic to dogs. It can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death.
So better keep it away from your dog.
3. Coffee:
Pet owners may not realize that caffeine can be harmful to their pets.
In coffee, the most abundant methylxanthine is caffeine, and while the substance is good for humans, it’s not good for dogs.
That’s why too much caffeine can lead to vomiting and diarrhoea, hyperactivity, a racing heart, panting, excessive thirst and urination, tremors, seizures and possibly even death.
4. Tea:
Generally speaking, allowing your dog to drink tea won’t cause any long term issues. But like coffee, tea can contain caffeine that can be harmful to your pet in anything more than very small doses. It’s best to keep your tea away from your pup.
5. Soda:
Again, it’s the caffeine in soda that can be dangerous to pets. If your dog happens to lick up a few spilled drops of your cola off the floor, it’s likely no reason to panic. But definitely don’t fill up his bowl with your favourite soda, thinking he needs a treat.
6. Fruit and Vegetable Juice:
Most juices contain added sweeteners and artificial flavors and coloring, which aren’t healthy for dogs.
Most whole juices are safe in small quantities — for example, letting your dog lick the plate after you cut oranges.
If you want to give your pup something fruity, give him actual pieces of apples, strawberries or carrots instead of the liquid version.
7. Sports Drinks:
After you and your dog take a grueling run or go on a hike, there’s no reason to offer your workout buddy a swig of your energy drink. Dogs need lots of water, especially when they’re exerting themselves, but they don’t need the extra sodium, electrolytes or vitamins that come with sports drinks. Yes, dogs can drink Gatorade in a limited manner.
8. Coconut milk or Coconut Water:
Give your pet too much coconut flesh or milk and you may end up dealing with loose stools, diarrhoea or stomach upset. And they recommend avoiding coconut water because it’s high in potassium, which can cause health issues. You may want to ask your vet to weigh in on this one.
9. Lemonade:
The citric acid in lemonade can cause an upset stomach in dogs. Lemonade also contains a lot of sugar, which isn’t good for dogs. A dog’s blood sugar can rise much easier than a human’s, causing immediate and long-term health problems.
10. Pool Water:
It is a habit for dogs to lick collected water if they are thirsty, even from swimming pools. However, pool water contains high amounts of chlorine.
By in taking large amounts of chlorine water, your dog will definitely intake more than just chlorine. This makes pool water extremely dangerous for your dog and your dog’s health.
11. Ponds and Puddles:
If your dog drinks water from a pond or puddle, a pathogen infection might result because they thrive in the fungi and mold present in these waters. These can have a heavy toll on your dog’s digestive system and only a vet can help.
12. Human medicinal syrups:
Most cold medications contain decongestants that are not safe for dogs, so steer clear. They contain ingredients that are relatively safe for dogs. But check with your vet before administering a cough medicine or any other medicinal drinks when given to dogs.
Conclusion:
There’s likely little chance that your dog is going to seek out and drink things like alcohol, bleach or household cleaners.
But to be on the safe side, keep those things out of your pet’s reach, just like you would keep them away from your child. If you ever think that your pet has gotten into something he shouldn’t have, make a quick call to your vet.
Yet there are actually non-alcoholic drinks marketed just for pets. Try these safe and fun doggie drink options. Always lookout for quality, organic dog treats to reward your pup being the best Cynophilist.