Thursday, October 4, 2018

What To Know About Drinks For Dogs

By Robin Setser


Dogs should follow strict diets so that they are as healthy as possible. This goes without saying, but it's natural for a pet owner to cheat and give their animal friend things like table scraps. They might also consider giving them different drinks, water being just one example. When it comes to drinks, as they relate to canine health, here is some of the most vital knowledge that you would be wise to take advantage of.

As any animal care specialist, Assisi Animal Health included, will tell you, water is the most important thing that a dog can be given. While it's needed to keep canines hydrated, it helps with maintaining bodily functions and preventing illness as well. Furthermore, it's been said that, on a daily basis, this animal will consume approximately 1 ounce of water per pound of their body weight. This should give you a general understanding of what's seen as a safe quantity.

While we're on the subject of water, it's worth touching upon a common topic that dog owners should be aware of: toilet water. It's not uncommon for a dog to drink out of the toilet, but this is a problem that you should nip in the bud early. Toilet water, even if the toilet itself is perfectly clean, is still dirty. The risk of ingesting bacteria is present, and to say that it can negatively impact your pet's wellbeing would be an understatement.

The importance of clean, fresh water is undeniable, as discussed before, but you might want to know about other liquids. Fruit juice might spring to mind, as it usually contains essential vitamins and minerals that we use as well. Despite this, the sugar content that's normally associated with juice isn't exactly the best for canines. While there are juices that are low in sugar, they don't exactly provide the level of hydration that's needed for everyday life.

Caffeinated beverages such as tea, coffee, and soda should be touched upon, too. While we may enjoy these from time to time, they should never be given to dogs. Caffeine works differently in dogs than it does in humans, seeing as how the former can't break it down like the latter can. As a matter of fact, it wouldn't be far-fetched for a dog to consume a small amount coffee, only to experience high blood pressure. This is just one of many reasons why caffeine is a dietary no-no for canines.




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