Alternatives to Water: What Can Dogs Drink?

Milk

Many dogs are lactose intolerant, which means they cannot properly digest lactose, a sugar found in milk.

When puppies are born, they have the enzymes necessary to break down the lactose in their mother's milk. However, as they grow older, the vast majority of dogs lose these enzymes, leading to lactose intolerance.

So, what could possibly be your intention in giving a lactoseintolerant dog milk? It's a rather questionable choice.

Juices

It's important to avoid giving dogs any juice meant for human consumption. Don't be swayed by claims of 'organic' or 'freshly squeezed'—any juice designed for humans is loaded with sugars, artificial colors, and preservatives.

Believe it or not, even a pure fruit juice without any added ingredients can be hard to drink as freely as commercial juices.

Chicken Soup

Chicken soup is a beloved comfort food for many, and dogs are no exception. There's a popular belief that chicken soup can stimulate a dog's thirst, encouraging them to drink more water, which is actually quite effective.

If you're considering this method, make sure to prepare the soup at home. Avoid purchasing humangrade chicken soup or condensed soup packets, as these often contain high levels of sodium, which can be harmful to dogs.

Carrot Juice

Carrot juice is rich in vitamins, fiber, and potassium, offering only benefits to dogs. While it's simple to feed dogs whole carrots, it can be quite cumbersome, as you need to keep track of their intake to prevent constipation and other issues.

Carrot juice is a better option, though the taste might not be as appealing to dogs.

What else should dogs avoid drinking?

Alcohol: Whether it's beer or spirits, dogs cannot metabolize certain components of alcohol, making it a poison to them.

Tea: The amount of methylxanthines in tea varies by type and can be toxic to dogs, especially smaller breeds.