Many branded dog drinks are hitting the shelves regularly. In recent years, we have seen dog tea, dog beer, and more. There is a high possibility that we will see more diverse products that are designed to suit the culinary needs of every dog.
So the question that is being asked is- what else do dogs drink besides water? The answer is yes, and they are plenty.
Dogs love drinking water because it helps to keep them hydrated. There is no way a dog, just like human beings can survive without having abundant water for its hydration needs. No drink can compete with water because it’s the best out there. You will find a dog water bottle to be your best friend when serving water because it’s easy to use, easy to clean, and serves the right amount of water all the time.
Milk
Milk is healthy for your dogs and contains minerals that include protein and calcium. However, you should know that a vast majority of dogs have an intolerance to lactose, but this shouldn’t be a source of worry if your dog is okay with it. Be cautious if you are starting to give your dog milk for the first time.
Dog tea
These days, there is dog tea on the shelves, so you can go there and buy a few cans for your best friend. However, there are a few people who may be tempted to scoop some tea from the pot and feed it to dogs. While this might sound harmless, caffeine may prove to be toxic to canines, so you have to be careful
The toxicity level in caffeine is a serious thing and may not take time before it manifests itself as new problems. That single sip that may not be harmless to a human being may cause serious problems for a dog. So consider it unrecommended to give your dog caffeinated drinks that include tea, coffee, and caffeinated drinks.
Specialist dog drinks
There are dog-friendly and safe alternatives to human foods such as beer and tea. These teas don’t have the caffeine that we find in most of our everyday drinks, so they are safe for dogs. However, this can be better served as an occasional treat, and not as a regular part of your dog’s diet. However, there is a high chance for your dog to prefer a nutritious and tastier biscuit or a bite of the same size with an ounce of water instead of a fancy drink.
Remember that the reason for providing water for your dogs is to make them hydrated. By not taking enough water, they will suffer dehydration, which could make them sick. Many dogs have died because of complications that are directly related to dehydration. This is why you should always provide enough hydration. Whether while resting at home, while walking, or running in the neighborhoods, ensure that your dog is kept rehydrated every time. During summer, water is paramount for your dog and ensures that there is enough for the canine all the time.
What Can Dogs Drink Besides Water? Six Common Questions
Milk Is Not Recommended
Many dogs lack the proper enzymes to break down lactose, the sugar in milk. Lactose intolerant people also lack these same enzymes. Without the presence of enzymes to break down lactose, it remains undigested and ferments in the intestine. This causes diarrhea and an upset stomach. If your dog appears to be able to tolerate milk, a cup as a treat every so often will do no harm. Milk with the lactose removed would be the best choice as a treat. Milk should never be used as a primary fluid for a dog.
Gatorade Contains Too Much Sugar
Any drink with vitamin or mineral supplements for humans could be harmful to a dog. Dogs can tolerate only specific amounts of certain vitamins and minerals that already naturally occur in dog food and water. Gatorade also contains a high percentage of sugar which could be very harmful to a diabetic dog. There are also artificial colorings and additives which can disrupt the healthy functioning of the urinary tract and other systems.
Whole Fruit Is Better Than Fruit Juice
Whole juice is not as good as fresh water. Dogs can drink fresh fruit juice in small quantities including apple juice and orange juice. Any fruit juice for a dog should be free of added sugar, artificial colors, or other ingredients. It would be a much better idea to give your dog a piece of fresh apple than to risk a juice that isn't really just juice. Even too much fresh juice can put too much sugar into your dog's diet. Most high quality dog foods already contain some fruit for your dog's best nutrition.
Pool Water Contains Harmful Chemicals
Do not let your dog drink from chlorinated pools. Pool water contains a high level of a variety of chemicals such as chlorine. When a dog drinks pool water, he or she ingests more chlorine than is healthy and might also be ingesting other chemicals. There also might be algae, insects, bacteria growth, and other harmful substances in the pool. A small sip of pool water will not put your dog in the emergency vet's office.
Toilet Bowls Contain Bacteria
Even the cleanest water becomes unsafe for dogs to drink if its container is dirty. Toilet bowls can contain many harmful types of organisms and bacteria. A toilet bowl may also contain chemicals used for cleaning which can be harmful to dogs.
Water From Puddles and Ponds Contains Parasites
Water from puddles and ponds can contain bacteria, parasites, and viruses that form from the lack of the water's movement. A fungal infection can grow due to pathogens that are present in still water molds and fungi. The organisms that live in the water molds can be harmful to a dog's digestion.
