What Is Sparkling Water?
Before we dive into the details of dogs drinking sparkling water, we should first tell you what sparkling or carbonated water is in the first place. Sparkling water is fresh water that has been infused with carbon dioxide gas under intense pressure. This causes the bubbly carbonation in the liquid, and any additives during the carbonation process will vary from brand to brand. There are a variety of carbonated waters on the market, so every option will be different in terms of sodium amounts, added sweeteners, and any additional flavors.
Is Sparkling Water Safe For Dogs To Drink?
Now that you know exactly what sparkling water is, it’s time to determine whether or not it is safe for dogs. Sparkling water that is free of any added sweeteners or flavors should be safe for dogs when offered in small amounts. A few sips of plain sparkling water is usually just fine for dogs, as the carbonation in the water should not upset their stomach when it is consumed in small amounts. Whether you offer your dog a small taste or they sneak a sip of your sparkling water, your canine friend should be just fine. However, it’s important to mention that while the carbonation in sparkling water is not usually dangerous when the dog takes a sip or two, it can lead to health complications if your dog drinks a large amount. Dogs do not burp to the extent that we do when their stomach’s are filled with carbonation, so this can cause gas to buildup in their stomach. This can lead to health complications ranging from uncomfortable gas to life-threatening bloating, so it’s important to never offer your dog more than a sip or two of your carbonated water. To make sure you are aware of all the safety precautions you should follow when giving your dog sparkling water, we will discuss each of the risks in detail below.
Is Sparkling Water As Hydrating As Fresh Water For Dogs?
Hydration is essential when it comes to maintaining your dog’s overall health. Adequate hydration in dogs helps to maintain skin and coat health, digestive health, urinary health, and so much more. With how important it is for your dog to drink water, you may wonder if sparkling water is an adequate option for hydrating your pup. While sparkling water does technically offer hydration and quench thirst, our dogs should not drink more than a couple sips at a time. Because of this, it should only be used as a fun treat, and not a main source of hydration. The main source of hydration for your dog should always be fresh water.
If Dogs Can Drink Sparkling Water, Can Dogs Drink Soda Too?
Now that we know that dogs can take a few sips of plain sparkling water without issue, does this mean they can drink other carbonated beverages as well? While some dogs might be interested in the soda you have in your class, it is important to keep any other carbonated beverages away from your little one. Plain sparkling water is only safe in small amounts due to the fact that it does not contain any added sweeteners or flavors, and we cannot say the same for soda. Many carbonated beverages contain high levels of sodium, sugar, and even harmful artificial sweeteners, and we never want our pups to consume these ingredients. Plain sparkling water might be safe for dogs in small servings, but any other carbonated beverages are not.
Dangers To Be Aware Of With Sparkling Water For Dogs
Sparkling water can be safe for dogs if they only take a sip or two, but there are a few risks to be aware of when offering your pup this treat. We want you to have the information needed to keep your dog safe, so let’s break down the dangers of sparkling water consumption in dogs below.
Artificial Sweeteners
There are many types of sparkling waters that are infused with extra flavors to make them more tasty. While you and I might enjoy the added sweetness that comes with a flavored sparkling water, they can be extremely dangerous for our canine companions. Many of these flavored sparkling waters will contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol, as they aim to offer more flavor with limited calories. Xylitol is a toxic ingredient for dogs that can lead to life-threatening complications, as this ingredient can cause a drastic drop in their blood sugar. Xylitol ingestion in dogs almost always requires intensive veterinary care, so we always want to keep anything that could contain xylitol away from our pups.
Painful Gas
Each glass of sparkling water contains hundreds of tiny bubbles that offer that signature carbonation. While you and I can easily tolerate the bubbles and burp when needed, this is not as easy for dogs to do. Dogs have a much harder time tolerating carbonation, so drinking a large amount of sparkling water can cause them to experience painful gas.
Bloating
Not only can dogs develop painful gas when they drink too much carbonated water, they can also develop a serious condition known as bloat. The first stage of bloat in dogs involves a painful accumulation of gas in the dog’s stomach, and it can even progress into a deadly situation known as gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). GDV in dogs occurs when a dog’s stomach fills with air and flips on itself, trapping the contents of the stomach and cutting off blood circulation past the stomach. GDV in dogs requires immediate and aggressive medical care, and many dogs will still lose their lives even with treatment. If something as simple as limiting your dog’s sparkling water intake can prevent this complication, then we always want to practice caution!
Dental Damage
While this typically only occurs with regular consumption of sparkling water, it’s important to know that large amounts of carbonated water can lead to enamel erosion on their teeth. Enamel erosion in dogs can lead to painful tooth sensitivity, gum inflammation, increased tartar accumulation, and even dental infections. If you do offer your dog a sip of sparkling water, just make sure it does not become a regular treat.
Signs Of Complications
Most dogs who drink a sip or two of sparkling water will have no issues, but it’s still important to be aware of the symptoms you might see if your dog is experiencing health complications from the beverage. Some of the most common signs of complications in dogs after drinking sparkling water include:
Abdominal painExcessive flatulenceDroolingVomitingLethargyBloated abdomenAttempting to vomit but they cannotIncreased heart rateWeaknessPale gumsCollapse
The above complications will typically only occur if your dog has consumed a sparkling water with dangerous additives or they have consumed an excessive amount of carbonated water, but it’s still important to be on the lookout for these symptoms at all times. If you notice any of the above symptoms in your canine companion, we suggest having them seen by your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Final Thoughts
A few sips of plain sparkling water is typically safe for a dog, but anything more can lead to uncomfortable health complications. Also remember to keep any sparkling waters with added sweeteners and flavorings away from your little one, as this could expose them to toxic ingredients that could cause them serious harm.
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