Sparkling water is a fairly common drink for people, so it is natural to wonder if dogs can drink it too. Water is very important for dogs so that they don’t have trouble with dehydration. Sometimes people want to give some sparkling water to their dogs when they don’t have natural water available.
Sparkling water can be bad for dogs, and they should not drink it. It isn’t natural for them, and it can create problems with their digestive systems. Dogs can suffer from different issues ranging from indigestion to bloating, which is a very serious and sometimes fatal condition. It is best to stick with natural water for dogs and keep sparkling water for people.
In spite of this, it is important to make sure that your dog drinks enough water. Continue reading to learn about the importance of dogs drinking water and the dangers associated with giving them sparkling water.
What Is Sparkling Water?
Sparkling water is carbonated, which means that it has dissolved carbon dioxide gas in it. It creates small bubbles in the water. Sparkling water can contain other additives. Some have potassium sulfate, while others might have potassium bicarbonate. It can also be made with sodium bicarbonate or sodium citrate.
Some companies use Xylitol to make the water sweet, and it is a safe sweetener for people. However, Xylitol can be very dangerous for dogs. It is absorbed into the dog’s bloodstream quickly, and then insulin is released quickly from the dog’s pancreas. This causes the dog to become hypoglycemic, and it can happen within an hour of ingesting Xylitol.
That’s why it is recommended that you read the labels of every product before you give it to your dog.
Is Sparkling Water Bad for Dogs?
Dogs need natural water, but their bodies are different from people’s. When they drink sparkling water, the water has carbonation. These are air bubbles that make the water fizzy. The problem is that dogs can suffer from a range of digestive issues.
Sometimes they will experience indigestion, which is similar to a stomach ache. However, at other times, they can suffer from bloat, which is a very serious and sometimes fatal issue.
When a dog bloats, the cavity under the rib cage expands. The stomach is free in the cavity, and if the dog runs around, it can flip over the colon or the intestines. If this happens, the dog may need emergency surgery, and if you don’t catch it in time, it can be fatal.
While there is no conclusive evidence that sparkling water causes bloating in dogs, in my opinion, taking this potential risk is unnecessary. I personally get gas when I drink sparkling water, so I wouldn’t want to experiment with our little corgi, Luna.
What Are Dogs’ Requirements for Water?
People don’t always think of water the way they do dog food, but the water is just as important. The way to find out how much water your dog needs to drink each day is to average one ounce of water for each pound of your dog’s weight. If your dog weighs 20 pounds, it will need 20 ounces of water each day.
Dogs need water to stay hydrated, and they need it for other functions, including digestion, blood flow, and breathing. Their organs also need water, and water is a critical part of regulating their body temperature. Water also helps to remove toxins and keep the skin supple and elastic.
Your dog loses water throughout the day by panting, going to the bathroom, and sweating through its paws. Vets say that they can become dehydrated by losing 10% to 15% of their water content without replenishing it. For this reason, it is important to make sure that natural water is always available for your dog.
Do Dogs Like Sparkling Water?
Some dogs will drink sparkling water, but they don’t desire it the way that some people do. Most dogs will not want to drink it at all because they don’t like the way the carbonation feels. The bottom line is that, just like people, every dog is different, but you likely won’t have to worry about it. As long as you keep your sparkling water put away, your dog won’t try to get it.
The best thing to do is to make sure that you give your dog natural water. It should be available all the time. Your dog may appear to love water, but it really is an instinct. They know intuitively that they need to drink to make sure that they stay hydrated and healthy.
Tik Tok Video Compilations – Proof That Most Dogs Don’t Like Sparkling Water
Based on these Tik Tok compilations, most dogs don’t react well when they are given the choice of drinking sparkling water.
What Drinks Are Bad for Dogs?
The reality is that most drinks are bad for dogs. The best thing you can do is offer natural water to your dog. Take a look at some other drinks and why your dog shouldn’t have them.
- Milk: Most dogs are lactose intolerant, and milk can upset their digestive system.
- Tea, coffee, and other caffeine: Caffeine can be toxic to dogs. It can cause frightening symptoms, including restlessness, racing pulse, vomiting, hyperactivity, panting, seizures, and more.
- Alcohol: Never. Their kidneys and liver cannot filter alcohol, soy sauce, dough, and more. Stick to dog food made for your dog’s digestive system.
Can You Put Anything Into Your Dog’s Water to Make it Drink?
If your dog doesn’t want to drink the water, you can try filtered water, bottled water, or distilled water. The tap water might have a funny taste. If your dog still is resistant to drinking, you can add wet food to its diet. This has water in it. You can also offer safe fruits and veggies, including apples, watermelon, honeydew, green beans, carrots, and more. This will help get water into your dog when it is resistant to drinking.
But, as an example, you should never give your dog grapes or raisins. According to the American Kennel Club, “grapes and raisins (dried grapes) have proved to be very toxic for dogs no matter the dog’s breed, sex, or age.”
Final Words
Although people enjoy sparkling water from time to time, you shouldn’t give it to your dog. They have a different digestive system, and carbonated water can cause problems for your dog. Although you may want to share your favorite drinks with your dog, the best thing you can give it is natural water. You can give your dog filtered or bottled water if you want to, but stay away from the sparkling water.
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