In general, yes, dogs can drink sparkling water but in very small amounts.
Since 70% of your dog’s body is made up of water, are you worried about its need for appropriate hydration? And thinking of giving some sparkling water to your dog? But can dogs drink sparkling water or is it safe for dogs to consume sparkling water? The answer to this involves a lot of discussions. So, let’s know the real information.
Is Sparkling Water Bad For Dogs?
Although it has been found that sparkling water does not contain any immediate toxic ingredients, still it is not quite safe for them to drink at frequent times. Let us have a look at the ways it can affect your dog’s health.
1. Bloat:
The bubbles in sparkling water might lead to bloating if given in large amounts. Hence, it is always advised not to serve a bowl of sparkling water to your dogs as it might lead to serious discomfort or degradation in their health.
- A swollen stomach
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Distress or restlessness
- Panting or rapid breathing
- Pain in the abdomen
If bloating turns into a serious condition, then a veterinarian should be contacted immediately.
2. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV):
In cases of bloat, when the enlarged and swollen stomach twists and lead to a fatal condition. This is referred to as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). It has to be taken into account that when the stomach twists, major blood vessels supplying stomach tissue and nearby organs with oxygen become fully obstructed which indicates that they can no longer do their job.
Enamel erosion: Due to the acidic nature of carbonated drinks, you might be able to notice enamel erosion in your dog’s teeth. Enamel erosion can be really painful for your dog and might require dental surgery. So make sure you do not give any carbonated drinks to your dog on a regular basis.
3. Increased appetite:
Giving your dog carbonated water might lead to increased appetite and hence will force them to overeat. This, in further, will increase your dog’s weight and cause serious health issues.
If you feel perplexed about which water is better for your dog and won’t cause any harm, then grab a look at the list of differences between seltzer and sparkling water.
Difference Between Seltzer Water and Sparkling Water
You might be enlightened to know the basic difference between seltzer and sparkling water as the difference comes down to where the carbonation emerges from. Let us have a closer look at this topic!
- The primary difference between seltzer and sparkling water lies in where the carbonation comes from. If the carbonation is artificial, then it is probably seltzer or club soda and regulated like a soda. If the bubbles are naturally occurring, it’s sparkling water.
- Seltzer is just plain water, carbonated with added carbon dioxide. It has a neutral flavor but several popular brands now come up with various flavors of it.
- Sparkling water emerges from a natural source like a spring or well and the bubbles created are also naturally occurring.
Now after knowing the minor difference between sparkling water and Seltzer water, you must be wanting to know if dogs can drink seltzer water or not. Well, here is the trick!
Can Dogs Drink Seltzer Water?
The answer to this is yes, dogs may drink carbonated water! But there is a way!
Remember,
- they should not drink more than two sips of carbonated water and also.
- avoid carbonated water with added flavors. The reason is that too much consumption can lead to bloating or other severe issues.
With that being mentioned, let’s know which other carbonated drinks can be harmful to dogs.
Other Carbonated Drinks That Might Be Unsafe For Your Dog
Avoid giving any kind of carbonated or flavored drink to your dog as it might lead to unpredictable degradation of their health and give rise to some serious stomach or intestinal illnesses.
Now let us help you explore other drinks that you should keep your dog away from. Grab a look at these
1. Caffeinated beverages:
Caffeine is basically a stimulant, which in mild doses, can help us be more alert and give us an energy boost but if taken in high doses, can have a tremendous negative impact on health. Since animals are more susceptible to the effects of caffeine than humans, your dog shouldn’t be given any caffeine to consume. The following symptoms can be noticed if your dog has been intoxicated due to caffeine:
- Hyperexcitability: The dog will be more active and alert than normal.
- Vomiting and in some cases, diarrhea.
- Tachycardia refers to an elevated heart rate.
- Arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm, skipping or missing heartbeats, for example, Tremoring.
- Seizures
- Collapse
- Death
2. Xylitol:
Xylitol is basically an artificial sweetener that can be found in many other low-sugar or sugar-free items to give rise to a more refreshing, sweeter taste. It occurs naturally in several different plants but is extracted and processed into a white powder that is used as an ingredient in many everyday products, e.g. low-calorie drinks, and sodas.
If your dog is given to drink this, then your dog’s pancreas will release a lot of insulin into the bloodstream and increase its blood sugar levels. Irreversible liver failure can also be noticed in some cases. To sum it up, do not give your dog any drink containing xylitol.
Your dog might show these symptoms if it has consumed higher amounts of xylitol:
- Weakness/collapse
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Pale gums
- Increased heart rate
- Seizures
- Death
3. Sugar:
Sugar in drinks is also dangerous for your dog to consume. Sugar does not provide any nutrients other than energy or calories. So it is better if it is not served to your dog in excess.
The above-mentioned are some of the common ingredients that your dog should avoid while drinking. Consuming these ingredients can lead to severe health complications and may even lead to death. Drinking normal water or some healthy drinks should be your only motive.
Since your dog cannot drink the aforementioned ones, let us help you explore the drinks that would prove useful for the upliftment of their health. Take a look!
Safe Drinks For Your Dog
There are times when you might be wondering about what other cool drinks you can offer to your pet that will help them cheer themselves up. Now that we have already mentioned the ones you should ignore, let us help you focus on the drinks that are totally safe for your dog but are different from basic old water. Grab a look at the ones mentioned below!
- Plain water:
Normal freshwater is the best for your dog. It has zero chance of degrading your dog’s health and hence you can serve it to your dog without any second thoughts.
Besides, Water is the primary component of the healthy, living cells of your dog’s body. And hence, If you wish to estimate how much a dog should drink in a day, then you must know that this varies due to individual circumstances.
- Generally, dogs should drink approximately 1 ounce of water (1/8 of a cup) per pound of body weight each day. However, there are many other factors that can affect how much your dog will drink. So it is better if you do not restrict your dog’s water intake.
- Unless it is being mentioned by the veterinarian to keep a check on how much water your dog drinks, you should just ensure that your dog drinks plenty of fresh filtered water.
- Keep this mind that tap water is generally safe but if you reside in an area with unsafe or contaminated tap water, then filtered water is the only solution there.
Your top priority is ensuring that your dog feels hydrated and feels lively all the time. Make sure he is drinking enough throughout the day and avoid giving him any sparkling water.
- Fresh fruit juice:
Do not give juice from the store to your dog as it might contain several added preservatives, artificial colors, and sweeteners. Fruit juices that are freshly made at home without the usage of any preservatives can be given to your pet. However, there are certain substances that can prove hazardous to your dog’s health like apple seeds, fruit pulps, etc.
- Chicken bone broth:
Honestly, bone broth is a great mild liquid for dogs that can lead to soothing upset stomachs. If you get store-bought broth, make sure to check all the ingredients before serving it to your dog, and make sure it doesn’t contain anything that is toxic or allergic to dogs.
If you are making it at home, make sure all the bones and pieces are out of the broth before giving it to your dog, as it might increase the chances of choking hazards. Before giving any of these, remember that all dogs have different sorts of sensitivities or allergies, so make sure to approach your dog with adequate caution before offering him any new food or drinks.
Also, dogs in general do not require anything other than plain water. Freshwater is the best for his health and is enough to keep him hydrated. Besides, it is always recommended to contact your veterinarian in case of any diet change or give any unfamiliar drink or food to him.
Now, moving ahead, let’s know some more common queries that are often being asked by many pet owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can a dog drink seltzer water?
Ans: The answer to this is yes, dogs may drink carbonated water. But remember, they should not drink more than two sips of carbonated water and also avoid carbonated water with added flavors. Too much consumption can lead to bloating or other severe issues.
Q2. Is it dangerous for dogs to drink water?
Ans: If the question is about plain water, the answer is definitely no. A dog needs to drink water every day in order to be alive. It is not at all dangerous to drink fresh and filtered water. However, carbonated water or pool water should be avoided to ensure maximum safety.
Q3. When should you consult the vet?
Ans: If your dog has drunk other than regular tap water and then starts developing symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, or vomiting, then you must call the veterinarian right away. Similarly, if they show any signs of caffeine or xylitol poisoning, call for help immediately as well.
Final Words:
Fresh plain water is essential not only to humans but also to your dog and so make sure he is drinking enough water throughout the day. But at the same time, we know you might find yourself in a tough spot if your dog shows interest in drinking some fizzy water.
Thus, on rare occasions, you may also offer a couple of sips of sparkling water to your dog. But make sure to stick to plain water in general. Hope you had a fruitful time while reading this article! Good luck!
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