What’s better than an ice-cold Dr. Pepper on a hot sunny day?
I bet you can’t think of anything better.
The soda quenches your thirst, making you wonder if your dog will enjoy it as much as you do.
If anything, it will stop your dog from panting in the heat due to thirst.
So, can dogs drink Dr. Pepper?
No, Dogs shouldn’t take Dr. Pepper or any soda.
This carbonated drink contains sugar and caffeine.
These components are harmful to your furry friend.
Xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in Dr. Pepper, is toxic to dogs and can cause seizures, hypoglycemia, liver failure, and death.
Keeping your dog safe through a healthy and safe diet is essential.
Let us explore the effects of Dr. Pepper on your dog, symptoms to look out for, and more nutritious, safer drink alternatives to give your pet.
Reasons Dogs Shouldn’t Drink Dr. Pepper
Dr. Pepper Contains Xylitol
Xylitol, an artificial sweetener used in Dr. Pepper, is highly toxic to your furry friend, with side effects that can cause death.
Xylitol stimulates your dog’s pancreas releasing high levels of insulin.
The high insulin leads to hypoglycemia or dangerously low blood sugar, which can be fatal.
Xylitol also causes liver failure in your dog, another potentially fatal condition.
Symptoms of xylitol poisoning to look out for include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Body weakness
- Weak limbs causing staggering
- Reduced activities
- Seizures
- Collapsing
If you suspect your pet has ingested Dr. Pepper and is exhibiting such signs, rush him to the vet.
Dr. Pepper Contains Caffeine
Caffeine causes your pet gastrointestinal problems by irritating the intestines and stomach.
Caffeine also causes irregular heartbeats or cardiac arrhythmias, high blood pressure, and dangerous seizures.
Symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Loss of muscle control
- Restlessness
- Dehydration
- Excessive urination
Dr. Pepper Contains High Levels of Sugar and Calories
The sugar in Dr. Pepper is excessive for dogs to ingest and is most likely to make your dog sick, while sweeteners are worse as their effects could be fatal.
Dr. Pepper’s refined sugar and calories could cause your dog weight gain, leading to obesity, gastrointestinal issues, inflammation, and even diabetes.
The sugar can also cause your furry friend dental cavities.
Symptoms include;
- Lack of appetite
- Stomach upset
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Dr. Pepper is a Carbonated Drink
It is difficult for dogs to digest carbonated drinks, which leads to bloating and gas in your dog’s digestive system.
Dr. Pepper has no nutritional value
Dr. Pepper has no nutritional value to dogs.
It contains 150 calories in one can of 335 ml.
The drink also contains sodium and sugar, which are harmful to your furry friend.
The risks of giving your dog Dr. Pepper are higher than any perceived benefits.
You would want to settle on other healthier drinks for your canine friend.
Safer alternatives for your dog
Dr. Pepper offers no health benefits to your dog.
Your dog may want to have some because of the sugar, which isn’t healthy.
Water remains the best way to keep your dog healthy and well hydrated.
But if you want that extra flavor for your dog, here are some drink options you can try.
Vegetable juice
Vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals.
They also have low calories and sugar and are quite beneficial to your dog.
Blend kale, celery, carrots, broccoli, and beetroots and serve cold for that refreshing taste.
Add fruits like apples or strawberries to naturally sweeten the vegetable juice.
Fruit juice
Go for homemade juice rather than store juice to reduce the risk of having harmful ingredients to your pups, like xylitol and caffeine.
Homemade juices are nutritious and lack additives, preservatives, added colors, and excess sugar found in stores.
Apples and strawberries are common fruits that you can juice for your pet.
Avoid grapes as dogs are deathly allergic.
Nut milk
Dogs are generally lactose intolerant.
Their digestive systems can stand milk when they are puppies, but they soon outgrow it.
A safer alternative to milk and Dr. Pepper is nut milk obtained from coconuts, soy, and almonds.
Moderate intake of nut milk has health benefits such as better immunity and calorie intake.
Don’t feed nut milk if your dog has any known nut allergies.
Coconut water
Coconut water has high hydrating qualities and provides your dog with vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes.
Coconut water also helps him reduce that awful doggy breath.
Chicken or beef broth
Chicken broth helps relieve gastric distress in dogs.
For that refreshing taste, especially on a hot day, serve it cold.
The broth is rich in nutrients and minerals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do when my dog takes Dr. Pepper?
If your dog has taken Dr. Pepper, watch out for symptoms like restlessness, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and increased heartbeat.
If your dog has any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately for further advice.
In case of more severe side effects like seizures, rush to the vet’s office or contact an emergency veterinarian.
What amount of Dr. Pepper is lethal to my dog?
Don’t allow your dog to have any amount of Dr. Pepper as the ingredients are harmful.
Even small amounts can raise your dog’s blood sugar and blood pressure.
If your dog has taken Dr. Pepper, keep a keen eye for symptoms and contact your vet.
Can Dr. Pepper kill your dog?
Dr. Pepper has ingredients that are harmful to your dog.
Some effects like an elevated heart rate, hypoglycemia, and liver failure can be fatal.
Can you give your dog other soda options?
No.
All sodas, just like Dr. Pepper, have toxic elements for your dog and can make them ill.
Opt for healthier alternatives like water, fruit or vegetable juices, and broth.
Conclusion
Dr. Pepper isn’t the healthiest drink for humans and has worse effects on your furry friend.
Giving your pet some Dr. Pepper isn’t a treat but a ticket to your pup’s poor health and a visit to your vet.
Opt for a healthier and more nutritious diet to keep your dog safe.
This will make you happy and give you a peace of mind.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
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