Why Dogs Love Drinking Toilet Water: The Surprising Rea

So, let's delve into today's article: "Can Dogs Drink Water from the Toilet?"

Reasons

Just like many people collect model kits to fulfill their childhood dreams, dogs that sneak a sip from the toilet have their own motivations, which are far from being mere curiosity.

Most dogs are drawn to fresh, cool, and flowing water sources, which is why automatic pet water fountains are so popular. Especially for dogs with a hunting instinct, they may perceive moving water as safer than still water.

Imagine, for a dog that has no idea what a toilet is, the ceramic surface can make the water feel cooler, and the regularly replenished water source is much fresher than the water in a bowl.

So, why not opt for the toilet? Let's give our furry friends a reason to choose it over their water bowls.

Is Toilet Water Harmful to Dogs?

The environment inside a toilet is complex, and the water can become contaminated. For instance, the chemicals found in toilet cleaners, which linger on the porcelain walls, can cause dogs to experience diarrhea, drooling, vomiting, indigestion, and even chemical burns. So, if your dog drinks water from the toilet, do not attempt to induce vomiting. Instead, seek veterinary care immediately.

Additionally, the bacteria found on the toilet bowl can be concerning. The most common culprits are E. coli and giardia. But fear not, the majority of these bacteria are not a big deal for dogs, as their immune systems differ from ours and can withstand many more bacteria.

Should We Indulge or Correct?

Of course, we should correct this behavior. However, before you do, consider whether the issue might stem from the frequency of water changes, the material of your dog's bowl, or the quality of the water source.

As for correcting the behavior, investing in a better toilet lid might be the solution. Some lowquality lids are so flimsy that not only dogs but also cats can lift them up with their paws.