Can Dogs Drink Sparkling Water

If you are enjoying a glass of cold sparkling water on a hot day, you might think of sharing it with your dog. But is it safe, and can dogs drink it? In this article, we will discuss this question and much more.

Can dogs drink sparkling water? Yes, dogs can drink sparkling water. However, you must ensure that your dog drinks sparkling water free of other additives like sugar and sweeteners. Also, it would help if you did not give your dog a lot of sparkling water because it can lead to several health issues.

What Is Sparkling Water?

Sparkling or carbonated water has dissolved carbon dioxide added under pressure, creating many small bubbles. These drinks cause individuals to burp because the gas inside the drink wants to escape somehow. The liquid’s bubbly carbonation and any additives added during the carbonation process will differ from one brand to the next. 

Can Sparkling Water Kill A Dog

No sparkling water cannot kill a dog. If your dog takes a few sips of sparkling water, you should not panic because he will be fine. However, if your dog took a large amount of sparkling water, it could result in the following problems:

Bloat

Since the gas from the bubbles in sparkling or carbonated water stays in your dog’s stomach, it may cause bloating. As a result, there may be some little stomach discomfort in moderate cases, but in more severe ones, your dog may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Swollen stomach
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Difficulties in breathing
• Restlessness 
• Abdominal discomfort

Gastric dilatation, another name for bloat, can be very serious; therefore, you need to get in touch with a vet immediately. If there is considerable distension, it is painful and may harm the stomach and its blood supply (swelling). This syndrome may progress into the deadly disease gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV)

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)

Bloating can sometimes result in fatal stomach twists due to swelling and enlargement. The medical term for this is gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Major blood arteries that nourish stomach tissue and surrounding organs with oxygen get completely blocked when the stomach twists, rendering them incapable of performing their function. If treatment is not initiated immediately once, these tissues can die quickly.

Dogs with GDV will have symptoms that are remarkably similar to those of dogs with bloat, except that the stomach twist prevents them from being able to vomit. They could try to throw up, but they only pass a little phlegm or drool. GDV-affected animals quickly deteriorate and die. If the ailment is not treated quickly, it will be fatal.

Enamel Erosion

You might notice enamel erosion on your dog’s teeth due to the acidic nature of carbonated drinks, a less severe adverse effect than GDV. Give your dog sparkling water rarely because this is typically a problem for animals exposed to acidic carbonated beverages over an extended period. Dental surgery could be necessary for enamel erosion, which can be distressing.

Drastic Drop In Blood Sugar

Sparkling water can be infused with flavors to make them tastier. This is to make the water more appealing to humans, but it can be unsafe for dogs. Some of these sweeteners include xylitol which is a toxic substance to dogs. It can lead to fatal side effects, including a drastic drop in their blood sugar level. Therefore, keeping anything containing xylitol away from your dog is advisable.

Is Sparkling Water As Hydrating As Fresh Water For Dogs?

 To keep their skin, hair, digestive system, urinary system, and many other organs healthy, dogs need to drink enough water. Given how crucial it is for your dog to drink water, you might question if hydrating your puppy with sparkling water is a suitable alternative. While it is true that sparkling water hydrates and slakes thirst, our dogs shouldn’t consume more than a few sips at a time. As a result, it ought to only be used as a delightful treat and not as a primary source of hydration. Your dog should always drink only fresh water as their primary source of hydration.

Are Other Carbonated Drinks Safe?

Carbonated drinks are not safe for your dog because they contain the following ingredients which are not safe to your dog.

Caffeine

Caffeine helps us become more alert and provides an energy boost in small amounts, but very large doses can have several adverse effects. Animals are significantly more vulnerable than people to the effects of caffeine. Consuming highly caffeinated products like energy drinks, coffee, or sodas might harm them.

Sugars

Drinks with sugar are not good for your dog to consume. Even naturally occurring sugars, such as those in fruit, has the potential to be hazardous. The tooth enamel of your dog may erode, and too many calories may cause weight gain. In addition, sugar only provides energy (calories), so your pet should not consume large amounts of it.

The Benefits of Sparkling Water for Dogs

It is known that carbonated beverages might ease human stomach upsets. Your dog should not consume flavored liquids other than water. However, giving your dog carbonated sparkling Drinking water in moderation could aid in relieving their gastrointestinal discomfort. 

Conclusion

Dogs can drink sparkling water but in moderation. You should always check whether the sparkling you are about to give your dog contains additives because they can lead to adverse side effects. Giving your dog plain water is advisable to be on the safer side.

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