Can Dogs Drink Soda? Is Soda Safe for Dogs?

Do you have a furry begging face staring at your soda can? Sure, man’s best friend can share so many things with us like hiking adventures, watching the big game on TV, and jumping in the car for a ride—but what about sharing soda? Would it be so bad to give your dog a sip of your favorite carbonated cola?

No, your dog shouldn’t drink soda.

Soda contains exceptionally high sugar content and caffeine. But why is it so bad for a canine’s system? Let’s examine the facts.

Soda Contains Caffeine — A Big ‘No’ for Dogs

Unlike humans, caffeine is toxic to pets — and soda has a lot of caffeine per can. If your dog drinks too much soda, the caffeine can overload their system, leading to caffeine poisoning.

Having a few licks of soda off the floor probably won’t do any damage. However, if your dog got into a six-pack or tipped over a two-liter, you need to act accordingly.

If you believe your dog has had too much caffeine, you must consult with your veterinarian. If your dog’s reaction is advanced enough to show these symptoms, they should receive an examination and treatment.

If your vet decides to treat, they may induce vomiting or administer an IV. As long as your dog displays only minor effects, the outlook is usually positive.

Soda Has Tons of Sugar — Dogs & Sugar Don’t Mix

Most dogs are avid eaters and don’t always stay away from things they should. Sugar does terrible things to your dog’s digestive system. Soda has a very high amount of sugar per can, leading to some pretty severe health issues.

Diet is the number one way to ensure your dog’s longevity, and you won’t want to give them people food. Once your dog develops a health issue, it often is lifelong. This can lead to higher vet bills, monthly medication, and even premature death.

Soda and table scraps aren’t worth cutting years off your pet’s life. So, as much as those big puppy eyes pull at your heartstrings, try to resist giving your dog anything but dog food.

Why is Soda So Bad?

There is a common misconception that the carbonation in soda is the main reason it isn’t good for dogs. While that may contribute to why soda and dogs don’t mix, that’s not all.

What’s true is that soda isn’t even good for humans — and it’s made for us. Our dog’s diets aren’t clogged by overly processed, fake foods, and empty calories. Soda is full of artificial ingredients and no nutritional content. These unfavorable ingredients can trigger food allergies, as well.

Dog’s thrive with diets full of whole protein, fatty acids, antioxidants, and carbohydrates. These ingredients promote a very healthy coat, skin, bones, and muscle. Having extra sugar or starch in every meal starts to wear down their health.

The only benefit to drinking soda for a dog is the momentary pleasure because of the taste. It’s really not worth it.

Dogs Don’t Know What’s Best for Them

In your dog’s lifetime, they will probably get into all sorts of things they shouldn’t eat. They’ll likely have their fair share of stolen food from a plate at a barbeque or dinner from the trash can.

Aside from a few picky dogs here and there, a canine will jump at any chance to get a quick bite — even if they shouldn’t eat it. They faithfully need us as owners to guide them while they love us. It’s a give-and-take relationship.

So, even though your dog will be sure that he can have soda — don’t fall for the classic blunder. Just because they look like their heart will break doesn’t make soda less dangerous.

And hey — if you train your dog not to beg, it can solve most of the problem.

To Recap — Can Dogs Drink Soda?

Your dog should not drink soda.

Dogs and Soda — Final Thoughts

So, your canine can’t enjoy soda like us. Even if your dog jumps at the chance to enjoy any human-made goody he can, they cannot distinguish the danger. It’s up to owners to protect their dog’s health.

So, even though your dog will expect to eat and drink what you do, they can’t always be a part of things the way you’d like them to be. It’s safe to say that extra years with them is worth holding off on the fizzy pop.

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