It's a warm day, and you've been out exploring a park with your pup. You reach for a cool gulp of soda from your backpack, and that's when you start to wonder if it's okay to share the sweet treat with your canine companion.
If you're curious if dog's can drink soda, the quick answer is no. When giving your pet a beverage to help them cool down, you should stick to fresh water. Remember that while a lick of spilled soda isn't likely to hurt your dog, it's not a healthy go-to beverage for pets — here's why.
1. Dogs Shouldn't Drink Soda Due to the Caffeine Content
It's tempting to share nibbles and sips from our meals with our furry friends, but it's not always a good idea. Although a little mid-day caffeine boost may help you get through your day, caffeine can be a big problem for your pup. As the Pet Poison Helpline explains, dogs are more sensitive to caffeine (found in soda, coffee, tea and other edibles) than people and caffeine ingestion could even result in toxicity for your pet.
Warning signs of a problem include:
- Hyperactivity
- Agitation
- Vomiting or other digestive upset
- Elevated heart rate
Excessive caffeine exposure could even result in severe enough symptoms, such as seizures, that your companion could end up needing to be hospitalized for supportive care until the caffeine is out their system. If your pet lapped up a full glass of unattended soda, call your veterinarian as soon as possible for guidance.
2. Dogs Can't Properly Digest Artificial Sweeteners
The sweet flavor of a cola is enticing to a pet, but the added sugars or artificial sweeteners don't play nice with their system. The animal lovers at Prime Vet Animal Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida shares that xylitol, a common sugar substitute found in sugar-free or diet products, is toxic for dogs and can cause issues with the pet regulating its blood sugar. These problems can include hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.
Ingestion of xylitol can lead to seizures or even eventual liver failure. Therefore, it's best to avoid sharing any sweetened human foods or drinks with your dog.
Tasty Tips
3. Dogs Don't Need Sugar or the Extra Calories
What about natural soda made with real cane sugar? Can dogs drink soda that's homemade? It tastes great to you, and doesn't contain any artificial sweeteners. Well, just like us, dogs can get diabetes and become obese from too many sweet treats. The American Kennel Club (AKC) says high levels of sugar in a diabetic dog's blood can damage their organs, including the blood vessels, eyes, heart, kidneys and nerves.
When it comes to pudgy pups, treats with added sugars (which are high in calories) are often to blame for the extra weight, per the AKC. When a dog becomes overweight, they are at risk for diabetes as well as issues with their skin, joints, internal organs, mobility, breathing and blood pressure.
Can dogs have soda? It's certainly not a good idea. You can easily keep you pet away from soda by storing it out of their reach. If you keep extra cans and bottles in the garage or pantry on the floor, place them on a high shelf instead. And when you're sitting around outside with a cold beverage, do the same. Keep drinks elevated, away from pets. If you happen to spill some on the ground, it is a good idea to get it wiped up before your dog has a chance to lap any up. If you are ever concerned about something that your dog has consumed, including soda, contact your veterinarian and seek their guidance on the best course of action for your canine companion.
When it comes to dog care, sticking to the basics is best. Offer your dog a bowl of fresh cold water, and they'll be sure to lick their chops in appreciation.
Related products
Adult 7+ Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy level & luxurious coat in Small & Mini dogs. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy.
Adult Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Supports healthy joints, immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Adult Chicken & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Adult 11+ Small & Mini Chicken, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
We make every bag of our dry dog food in our own US facilities with highest quality ingredients from North America, Europe and New Zealand. These ingredients must meet our strict requirements for purity and nutrient content, which exceed industry standards.
You can make a difference in the lives of shelter pets. With every purchase of Science Diet you help feed shelter pets globally - every day. In AUSTRALIA, since 1997, we have provided over 1.6M kg of Hill's pet food to LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTERS. Learn more at http://hillspet.com.au/shelters
Related articles
Exercise Tips to Keep Your Dog Active
Discover fun and engaging games and other ways to help your dog exercise, keeping him happy and healthy.
Puppy Supplies You Really Need
Gather the following puppy supplies to prepare your family for all the fun (and commitment) that comes with being a dog parent.
What to Feed Your Pregnant or Nursing Dog
Proper nutrition for your pregnant or nursing dog is vital to her and her puppy's health. Learn what you should do provide her with the proper nutrients.
Keeping Your Dog From Begging at the Dinner Table
Learn how to stop your dog from begging at the dinner table, and understand how it can help contribute to his health.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.