Can Dogs Have Root Beer?

You come back from work exhausted and are looking forward to enjoying that cold root beer.

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So you reach for the fridge, and your furry friend comes running right behind you.

Of course, she wants to enjoy the root beer too, but is it safe?

Can dogs have root beer?

No, your dog shouldn’t have root beer because it has no nutritional value to your dog, and the content can harm the dog.

In addition, the high sugar content in the root beer can potentially lead to sugar spikes and other health complications.

Root beer is the perfect energizer for your system, but you’d rather not share when it comes to your furry friend.

Read on and learn why you shouldn’t encourage root beer consumption for your dog.

Reasons Root Beer is Bad for Dogs

Below are all the reasons you shouldn’t feed root beer to your dog:

High Sugar Content

Root beer has too much sugar, and it can harm the dog in different ways:

Increase in weight
Stomach upsets
Diabetes
Digestion problems
Weak metabolic system

If your dog has been susceptible to diabetes in the past, feeding her root beer can increase the chances of a diabetic attack due to the sugar spikes.

Artificial sugars are hard to break down in your dog’s system.

This can lead to stomach problems for your furry friend.

In addition, the upsets can make your dog quite uncomfortable and deny her the vibrance and energy as they tend to feel lethargic most of the time.

Dehydration

The sodium and high sugar content in root beer lead to dehydration in dogs.

Ever noticed how drinking soda makes you thirsty later?

The same happens to dogs.

Rehydrating your dog with root beer increases the chances of dehydration.

The dehydration could worsen if your dog doesn’t like having water that you could give her to rework the effects of the root beer.

Gastrointestinal Tract Issues

A bottle of root beer could alter your dog’s entire digestive system.

The sugar and artificial sweeteners that are toxic to the dog lead to the dog’s stomach-turning.

Gastrointestinal tract issues have various repercussions in dogs, including vomiting, diarrhea, stomach rumbling, and flatulence.

Your dog’s metabolic system has difficulty digesting the root beer, causing these issues.

Digestive issues in dogs lead to your dog becoming lethargic, less active and overall unhappy.

The once active and happy dog loses all the vibrance.

To avoid that, steer clear of root beer.

Toxicity

Some root beer brands contain artificial sweeteners and preservatives, making them more toxic to your dog.

For instance, xylitol, the common artificial sweetener, has devastating effects on your dog.

The substances cause an acute decrease in blood sugar in your dog, which requires immediate vet intervention.

The impact of xylitol on your dog is life-threatening.

In case your dog consumes the root beer accidentally, read through the ingredients and if xylitol is among them, consult the vet immediately.

Allergic Reactions

Some dogs are allergic to the ingredients in root beer.

Check the dog’s history to ensure you don’t expose your dog to an allergic reaction.

If your dog is allergic to some of the ingredients in a root beer, you can easily tell from these signs:

Itchiness around the eyes and ears
Swollen face
Paws infections
Paranoia
Diarrhea
Increased flatulence
Lethargy

Consult the veterinarian if you are unsure what class of foods your dog is allergic to.

Signs Your Dog has Had Too Much Root Beer

Anything beyond a sip of the root beer is considered too much.

Some of the immediate signs that your dog has had too much include:

Hyperactivity
Loses focus
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Seizures
Fever
Restlessness
Drooling

If you observe these signs on your dog, dial your dog’s veterinarian immediately for further guidance.

Avoid self-treating the dog as you could expose her to greater harm.

Alternative Drinks You Can Share with Your Dog

Instead of sharing the toxic root beer with your furry friend, consider these healthier options:

Water
Vegetable juice extract
Fruit juices
Beef broth
Coconut water

These are better options that harbor nutritional value that will boost your dog’s health and energize her.

For instance, the vegetable juice extracts are obtained from fresh veggies that are highly nutritious since they have vitamins and minerals that are vital to your dog’s growth and stability.

When feeding your dog these alternatives, avoid the artificial options.

Instead, go for the juices you prepared naturally at home; otherwise, your dog could be allergic to the additives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can root beer kill my dog?

No, root beer can’t kill your dog if not consumed in high quantities, and you discover it on time to avert higher consumption.

However, the root beer has contents such as sugar, additives, and preservatives, that can be toxic to your dog and possibly lead to health complications.

How does root beer affect my dog?

Root beer can be toxic to your dog in that it causes the dog to develop stomach issues such as vomiting, diarrhea and increased flatulence.

High sugar content in the root beer makes it unsuitable for your furry friend as it could lead to weight gain and diabetes.

Can dogs have soda?

No, your dog shouldn’t have soda since it has unhealthy content such as sugar, carbonated water, preservatives and artificial sweeteners.

These ingredients harm the dog in various ways, from digestive issues and weight gain to sugar spikes.

What should I do if my dog accidentally drinks too much root beer?

First, give your dog some water to try to rehydrate.

Secondly, you should get in touch with the veterinarian, preferably the one with your dog’s health history.

Is root beer alcoholic?

Although it’s thick and foamy like most beers, root beer is non-alcoholic.

Conclusion

A sip of the root beer to calm your dog’s curiosity may not harm your dog, but anything beyond that is considered too much.

Before sharing the root beer, consult your dog’s veterinarian for medical and dietary advice.

If the dog accidentally drowns several root beer bottles, inform the vet immediately for guidance.

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Megan Turner

Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.

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