This content was reviewed by veterinarian Dr. JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM.
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Have you ever thought about sharing your beverages, adult or otherwise, with your dog? Fresh water, of course, is the best way to keep your dog hydrated, but what else can dogs drink? You might be surprised at the number of human beverages that are no-gos. Let’s find out: what can dogs drink besides water?
Should Dogs Drink Anything Besides Water?
The short answer is no. Water should be your pup’s primary source of hydration. If you’re really fixated on having your canine enjoy the occasional happy hour by your side with something other than plain water, check out these approved canine fun drinks.
There are some dog-safe options for your pup’s own happy hour, but the bottom line is that water really is the best drink for your dog. If you want to occasionally splash some juice or gravy into their water, that’s fine, but trust us – your pup will be just as happy getting an approved canine treat to enjoy with their water as they will taking a sip of your beverage.
Always remember, our dogs’ bodies aren’t built the same way as ours, so they can’t handle the same levels of sugar, caffeine, and other ingredients that are safe for us.
What Should Dogs NOT Drink?
Is Coffee Or Tea Safe For Dogs?
Your morning Joe is a big no, as is tea. Dogs can experience caffeine poisoning fairly easily. Because they typically weigh less than humans, dogs can have negative reactions to even small amounts of caffeine.
Can Dogs Drink 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. Talk with your vet about which whole juices would be safe for your dog in small quantities.
Warning: Never give your dog the juice from grapes because they’re toxic for dogs. Grape juice may cause kidney failure.
Is Milk Okay For Dogs To Drink?
It might seem intuitive that dogs (and other mammals) can drink milk because they nurse on their mother’s milk after birth. But most dogs become lactose intolerant once they mature and reach adulthood. Their bodies have a tough time digesting lactose, and drinking too much milk can result in diarrhea, vomiting, and gassiness. A little lap of milk is probably fine in very small doses, but watch your pet after he drinks milk to see if he develops these symptoms.
Can Dogs Have Lemonade?
The citric acid in lemonade can cause an upset stomach in dogs. Also, lemonade contains a lot of sugar, which isn’t good for dogs. Blood sugar can rise much easier in dogs than in people, causing immediate and long-term health problems.
Can Dogs Drink Soda?
Like all caffeinated and sugary drinks, soda is off-limits for dogs. While a little sip likely won’t hurt him, sharing more of your soda can elevate your dog’s blood sugar too high and also cause caffeine toxicity.
Can Dogs Drink Beer (Or Wine)?
A huge red flag here. Giving dogs beer, wine, or any other alcoholic beverage is no laughing matter. Alcohol is extremely toxic to dogs. According to the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma, and even death.
Besides grapes and alcohol, there are many other human foods you should NEVER give your pets. Be sure to read our article that covers foods that are toxic to dogs.
Talk to your vet if you’re unsure whether a particular human drink is safe or unsafe for your dog. Also, even if you plan to give your dog only a little sip of milk or juice, check with your vet first to make sure that it’s safe to do so.
Healthy Drinks For Dogs
What can dogs drink? If you want your canine to be able to partake in your after-work happy hour, try these safe and healthy doggie drink options.
Wolf Spring Canine Drink
Formulated by veterinarians, this Wolf Spring drink contains a lot of healthy ingredients for your pup. This calming formula has ingredients in it to help with excessive barking, separation anxiety, and more. So, in addition to being a fun flavor, it has mental health benefits too.
Price: $39.90 ($0.33 / Fl Oz) for 12-pack
K9 Power Performance Drink Mix
K9 Power’s powdered drink mix contains energy-boosting and hydrating ingredients that are great for active dogs. It includes electrolytes, low-fat chicken protein, coconut oil, magnesium, alpha lipoic acid (supports reduced inflammation), and other vitamins and minerals. Simply mix it with water and serve your dog this healthy alternative to plain water.
Wine For Cats: Pet Winery CatWine Pawty Pack
Don’t leave your cat out of all the fun. Pet Winery CatWine Pawty Pack is a non-alcoholic, organic catnip wine that your cat will be sure to love. You can use it as is, freeze it into kitty pops or pour it over your cat’s kibble. It’s also enriched with wild Alaskan salmon oil to promote shiny coats and healthy joints and skin. You get two bottles, a Purr-gundy and a Meow-sling. Gotta love the names!
Price: Check Amazon for availability for 2 bottles
Adult Beverage Dog Toys
If you want to enjoy happy hour with your pup, there are some really fun “adult beverage” dog toys, like these: Heinie Sniff’n squeaker beer bottles, the Silly Squeakers Jose Perro liquor bottle, and the Silly Squeakers Grrrobert Slobbery Drooler’s Selection wine bottle. You can keep your pup entertained with these toys while you sip your drink. They also make fun gifts for your friends and family.
Drinks That Your Dog Should Avoid Or Consume Sparingly (Infographic)
Without question, water is the best drink for your dog. Here’s a handy guide you can reference in the future about which human drinks are unsafe for dogs. Always check with your veterinarian before giving your dog anything other than plain, fresh water to drink.
How Does A Dog Drink, Anyway?
Ever wonder how your dog can get enough liquid with just his tongue? Watch how Neo, a Danish-Swedish farm dog, drinks in “Slow Mo Time.”
The Best Drink Accessories For Your Dog
Now that you know what is safe for your dog to drink, you can get them a container to drink it out of. Water fountains for dogs are an entertaining way to make hydration fun for dogs. Plus, they provide your dog with fresh, filtered water and relaxing white noise in the home. And be sure to check out these dog water bottles that are perfect for drinking on the go.
Tagged With: Hydration, Reviewed By Dr. Pendergrass, DVM
