Ever felt the urge to share your favorite soda with your dog? You may have wondered whether that is a safe thing to do. Thankfully, a veterinarian and president of medical operations at GoodVets in Kansas City recently provided insight on dealing with dogs and soda.
The short answer to whether soda is safe for dogs to consume is: No!
According to Dr. DeMarco, water is the only liquid dogs need to drink. Not only can the sweeteners in soda make your dog sick, but they can also cause severe and fatal health issues.
“Drinking soda can certainly result in a medical emergency,” Dr. DeMarco said while recommending that dog parents allow their dogs to consume only water.
There are several reasons why soda is bad for dogs. Top on the list is the excessive sugar content. “The excess sugar can make your dog ill,” Dr. DeMarco said. A study conducted in 2014 showed that excessive sugar could cause diabetes in dogs. It can also cause obesity.
Aside from sugar, another thing that is toxic for dogs found in soda is xylitol, a naturally occurring alcohol used as a sugar substitute in many things, including diet soda. Xylitol causes low blood sugar in dogs.
If your dog somehow manages to drink a little soda, you need not worry, as it may not be enough to make them ill. However, if your dog consumes much or you notice any symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.