Pawsitively Refreshing Drinks: In hot, sweltering summer, most pet owners will find themselves wondering what healthy juices for dogs or any other refreshing beverages they can give their pets. Water is an essential aspect of pet maintenance. And just like people, dogs need to drink enough water to keep their bodies functioning properly, particularly on hot summer days.
If you think your pup is getting bored of drinking plain water, there are many other dog-safe beverages you can indulge your pet in! Here are some of our favorite suggestions for refreshing beverages that are sure to please your pet!
Why Hydration Is Important For Dogs
Before we explore the different beverages your dog can slurp up, let us first understand why it’s so important to keep our furry friends hydrated.
We all know how important a balanced diet is for our dogs. It’s crucial to give our pups nutritious meals and treats to boost their health and well-being. Always look up the ingredients of dog foods or their reviews, such as the Wild Earth Dog Food Review by The Upper Pawside, to make sure you’re giving your canine only the best foods for their health.
Similarly, proper hydration is also necessary for our dogs’ health, especially during hot weather when they tend to lose more fluids through panting and sweating. Organ failure or even death might result from not sufficiently hydrating your pet.
Keeping your dog well-hydrated is important to the dog’s health. Drinking enough water helps to regulate your dog’s body temperature, which is crucial in keeping its organs functioning correctly. It also helps to lubricate joints, reducing their risk of injury and promoting mobility.
Hydration is even more critical for pets with specific health conditions such as kidney disease or diabetes. In such cases, drinking plenty of fluids can help manage these conditions and prevent further complications.
Providing your pet with refreshing beverages and juices for dogs can thus promote their overall health and well-being by offering various health benefits that can support their immune system, digestion, and general well-being.
What Can Dogs Drink Besides Water?
While water will always be the primary source of hydration for your dog, there are also plenty of other beverages your dog can drink for a refreshing treat.
1. Fruit/Vegetable Juices
Can dogs drink juice? Absolutely! You just have to make sure they’re unsweetened and made of ingredients that are safe for dogs. Fresh fruit or veggie juices are great for your pup in small amounts as they’re packed with nutrients that can benefit your dog’s health.
But you need to make sure there is no added sugar or preservatives in it. Also, not all fruits are safe for your dog. Grapes, for example, are highly toxic for dogs and should never be fed to your pup in any form.
That being said, here are some homemade juices for dogs you can try:
- Make a cantaloupe cooler with lactose-free yogurt, ice, and chopped-up cantaloupe.
- Whip up this frosty watermelon drink with watermelon, plain lactose-free yogurt, and a dash of honey — perfect for hot summer days.
- This yummy blueberry shake made with frozen blueberries and cold milk and topped with lactose-free yogurt will quickly become your pup’s favorite!
- Try this fruit punch that combines watermelons, blueberries, and pineapples in one refreshing drink! Just note that since all these fruits contain sugar, give them to your dog only in small amounts.
- Pure carrot juice is another great option, especially for older dogs who may find it difficult to chew on carrots. But give it to them only in small amounts.
Make sure you do your research on which foods or vegetables are bad for dogs before making any of these treats.
2. Herb-infused Water
One of the best homemade dog drinks is herb-infused water. Just by adding some herbs to the dog bowl, you can make water more interesting and healthy for your dog.
Ginger
Boil fresh ginger root with water and give it to your dog in small quantities. This will not only break the monotony but also help alleviate any discomfort as ginger can help soothe upset stomachs and reduce inflammation.
Basil
Basil is another anti-inflammatory herb that is rich in antioxidants and can help improve your pup’s health. Just add a few fresh basil leaves to your dog’s drinking bowl to make a refreshing drink.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a calming herb that can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation in dogs. Brew some chamomile tea and add it to your dog’s drinking bowl for a soothing drink.
3. Coconut Water
Coconut water is the next best thing to plain water when it comes to replenishing fluids in your dog. It’s full of electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals and is a great summer drink. Just make sure you get unsweetened coconut water.
4. Nut Milk
Many dogs are lactose intolerant, and nut milk is a highly nutritious milk substitute for dogs that’s also rich in vitamins and minerals. Small amounts of unsweetened cashew or almond milk are fantastic treats for dogs.
5. Unsalted Broth
When you think of refreshing drinks, you’d often picture sweet or tangy drinks. But broth can also be an excellent option for your pup. Chicken and beef broth offer a lot of nutritional benefits while also being very flavorful. Just make sure you remove any bone remnants from the broth and keep it unsalted.
Drinks/Foods That Are Absolute No-nos for Dogs
All pet parents know that some human foods are just not safe for our pups. The same goes for certain drinks as well. Take a look at some of the drinks you should never give to your dog:
- Caffeine (in tea or coffee): It contains methylxanthine, which is toxic for dogs, and may cause diarrhea, stomach upset, vomiting, and seizures.
- Alcohol: Highly toxic for dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death.
- Added sugars: Sugar can lead to excess weight gain. Artificial sweeteners like xylitol are also toxic, leading to severe health issues.
- Soda: It contains high amounts of sugar and caffeine, both of which are bad for dogs.
- Anything with chocolate: Chocolate is a strict no-go for canines!
- Drinks with citrus and/or grapes: Grapes are known to be highly toxic for dogs, while citrus fruits can be too acidic and cause stomach upset.
Conclusion
Hydration is key to healthy, happy, and thriving dogs. And adding a touch of flavor with herbs, fruits, or other nutritious ingredients helps make their water more enticing while also providing numerous health benefits. So, the next time your dog is feeling thirsty, why not surprise them with a tasty drink? Your pal will thank you with lots of love and tail wags!
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