Dogs have a tendency to dehydrate, and this can be extremely dangerous, so what can dogs drink besides water? Every day you’re tasked with filling fido’s bowl with plain old water, but there must be alternativ-e-archives, right?
Humans enjoy so many drinks and beverages that you will definitely lose count. From a healthy blend of fruits to a cold bottle of beer, we’re spoilt for choice. You may be worried that your dog is getting bored of regular water, which is highly unlikely, or you have a dog that turns their nose up to water. Of course, dogs that are sick or anxious may refuse water altogether, so what can we give them?
Besides regular water and the occasional addition of mouthwash for that minty breath, dogs can enjoy various safe beverage alternativ-e-archives. Changing your dog’s drink will spice things up and motivate even the biggest dog water-hater.
8 Drinks Your Dogs Can Have Besides Water
With water as the main source of hydration, dogs can occasionally have drinks like coconut water, broth, and dilute fruit juice. It’s natural to want to sneak a bit of your drink to your dog, especially with those irresistible, begging eyes. More importantly, adding something to the water can help dogs in hot climates, who are exercising strenuously, or who are sick and refusing to drink.
Before being generous with all the beverages that exist out there, you must ensure they’re safe. These seven drinks will motivate your dog to hydrate without harming their health.
1. Unsalted Broth
The strong broth aroma will draw your pooch in, hydrating them in no time. Be sure not to add salt to keep the chicken, beef, or bone broth as safe as possible. Broth can be used as a treat or a dog food topper if you give your dog kibble.
You can make your own broth at home by boiling liver or chicken in plenty of water, or buy pet-safe broth from the store.
2. Dilute Blended Fruit Juice
Natural fruit juice is a great way to hydrate your dog while supplying them with vital nutrients like Vitamin C. Avoid adding sugar to the juice and use more water than fruit for the healthiest results. Making the juice at home is best since many store-bought fruit juices have too much sugar.
Avoid using unsafe fruits like grapes, and steer clear of citrus-based juices like oranges as they’re too acidic and sour for dogs.
3. Veggie Juice
Veggies are an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals for your dog. Much like kids and some adults, some dogs hate their veggies, so why not make them drink it? Choose a variety of pet-safe vegetables like carrots and broccoli and blend them.
Try not to mix too many veggies, as that would make the juice yucky for your dog. Dogs with dentures due to losing all their teeth will highly appreciate blended fruit and veggie juices.
4. Coconut Water
Coconut water is safe for your dog in small amounts and is the clear liquid found in immature coconuts. Coconut water replenishes your canine’s electrolyte levels thanks to the high Potassium levels. Additionally, it provides the body with nutrients like Vitamin C and B, Calcium, Iron, and Zinc.
Electrolyte-based drinks have been shown to improve pulse rate after intense exercise in working dogs. While arguably better at replenishing electrolytes, coconut water can never replace plain water.
5. Store-Bought Doggie Drinks
Today’s pet industry has seen a rise in almost everything dogs, including drinks for your canine buddy. These include dog wine and beer to wind down a long day of chasing toys and barking at the mailman; totally non-alcoholic. Even Starbucks has its very own puppucino. All you need to remember is to keep these drinks to a minimum and ensure they don’t have added sugars.
6. Electrolyte Drinks Like K9 Powder
An electrolyte-enhanced drink like K9 powder is great for dogs who are constantly on their feet for hydration. Your vet is better suited to advise you on the dosage, but a scoop or two with water should do the trick. Keep this on hand when your dog is engaging in strenuous exercise, or if your dog is prone to overheating.
7. Dilute Dairy-Free Milk Like Nut Milk and Coconut Milk
Most dogs are lactose-intolerant, so removing dairy products from their diets is for their sake. Other non-dairy alternativ-e-archives should be healthier for your dog, and they include coconut milk and nut milk.
Keep the “milk” ingestion minimum since the high fat content can cause stomach upset and obesity with continued use.
8. Goat’s Milk
You may know that most dogs are lactose intolerant and cow’s milk can cause a runny tummy. But a bit of goat’s milk can go a long way. Goat’s milk contains its own lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose. It is less likely to be an allergen, is more digestible, is rich in minerals, vitamins, fatty acids, and enzymes. Finally, it has anti-inflammatory properties and other health benefits, such as being a potential probiotic.
What Your Dog Should Never Drink
Several drinks are strictly off-limit for dogs because they are toxic and can be fatal once ingested. These beverages are okay for humans but have catastrophic effects on our furry friends, and they include:
1. Chocolate Drinks
Chocolate is highly toxic for dogs and is what most owners will list as the number one poisonous food for dogs.
It contains theobromine, which interferes with the nervous and circulatory system and kidneys, and methylxanthine, which is toxic to dogs. Dogs with chocolate poisoning will exhibit restlessness, vomiting, hyperthermia, and seizures in extreme cases.
2. Caffeine
The methylxanthine in caffeine is toxic in dogs causing anything from vomiting and diarrhea to seizures and even death.
3. Grape Juice
Grapes are poisonous to dogs since they cause acute kidney failure. Not to mention many grape drinks are alcoholic, which is double poison for dogs.
4. Drinks with Added Sugar
Added sugar is extremely unhealthy for dogs and can cause diabetes and obesity. Artificial sweeteners like xylitol can cause sudden lowering of your dog’s blood sugar, which can be fatal.
5. Alcohol
Alcohol is not that great for humans, so imagine how much worse it is for canines. Alcohol causes breathing problems and vomiting and can even cause death in a matter of hours in dogs with alcohol poisoning.
Can Dogs Drink Milk?
Most dogs are lactose intolerant, and while milk isn’t technically toxic to dogs, it isn’t good for them. Dogs can therefore have milk, including cow’s milk, in small quantities without any harmful effects. Ice cream and some yogurts are also out of the picture, just like milk, due to their dairy content.
You should hold off on giving your dog a full bowl of cow’s milk in one sitting because they will have the worst GI issues. Goat milk is said to be healthier than cow milk because It has less lactose and is more digestible due to smaller fat molecules.
Non-dairy alternativ-e-archives like almond and coconut milk are worth a try, but their consumption should be minimal.
Can Dogs Drink Gatorade?
An occasional sip of Gatorade is unlikely to harm your dog and can rehydrate them by replenishing electrolytes. However, Gatorade has so much sugar that it’s unsuitable for continued canine use, so opt for the sugar-free versions.
Pedialyte is another common electrolyte, but it’s said to have too much potassium for your dog’s safe consumption. A vet will recommend the best electrolyte drinks if you have a working dog or a sick one needing prompt hydration.
Can Dogs Get Bored of Water?
Dogs can’t get bored of water because it’s their natural source of hydration, so they inherently crave it. When they need it. Some dogs have a low thirst drive, and it’s a good idea to add water to their food to ensure they are fully hydrated. In cases where dogs are given too many treats in place of water, they may develop a preference. Some dogs may refuse to drink when stressed or distracted. But this is not the same as boredom.
Additionally, your dog may be sick if they suddenly show disinterest in water but previously drank lots of it. You’ll notice other signs of illness, like vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy, if sickness is the cause of your dog’s new-found boredom with water.
Other Ways to Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Add Ice Cubes
Give Your Dog Wet Food
Use a Cute Fountain
Change Water Regularly
Visit the Vet
Final Thoughts
Dogs need water to survive, but you can flavor it with coconut water, fresh fruit or veggie juice, and bone broth. None of the alternativ-e-archives to water should substitute water because all living things need it to survive. Avoid sweetened drinks since the high sugar levels can trigger diabetes upon continual use. You’ll need to visit the vet immediately if your dog refuses to drink water for more than 48 hours.
Meet Your Experts
Author
Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.