Why Do Dogs Drink Toilet Water and What You Can Do

Dogs drink toilet water due to its unique smell and taste, which is often compared to that of a wetland or a swamp. This is because toilet water contains a high concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Dogs have a keen sense of smell and can detect these VOCs from a distance, which is why they're often drawn to toilet water. In fact, studies have shown that dogs can detect VOCs at concentrations as low as 1 part per billion.

Dogs also drink toilet water because it's a source of fresh water, especially in areas where tap water is not readily available.

For another approach, see: Can Dogs Smell Water

Dogs may drink toilet water simply because they prefer the taste and cool temperature of it.

Some dogs seem to enjoy taking their hydration from a potty, and it's not uncommon for them to do so.

If there doesn't seem to be a cause for your dog drinking from the toilet, it's likely they just prefer the taste and cool temperature of toilet water.

A clean toilet is probably way cleaner than the door handle to your bathroom, so it's not a health risk to your pet.

Toilet bowl cleaners and bleach ingestion can be toxic to pets, so it's essential to never leave these chemicals in the toilet bowl.

Dog ownership isn't always glamorous, but thankfully downing toilet water shouldn't be harmful to your dog.

So, you're wondering why your dog is attracted to the toilet water? Well, it's not just because they're trying to be mischievous!

Drinking from the toilet is usually not life-threatening for pets, but it's not ideal behavior either. Dr. Renee Schmid, a senior veterinary toxicologist, says that while most pets don't experience issues, certain bacteria could cause vomiting and/or diarrhea.

Cats and dogs are drawn to the toilet bowl for a few reasons. Firstly, it's often colder and fresher than their water bowl, which can be a big temptation, especially if their water bowl is lukewarm or stagnant.

A fresh viewpoint: Why Dogs Won't Drink Water

The bathroom can be a safe place for pets to hydrate, which might explain why they're so drawn to it. And, let's be honest, who doesn't love a little attention from their pet parents?

Some experts think that pets might be naturally inclined to seek out running water, which is an instinct left over from when they were wild animals. This might also explain why cats love hanging out near sinks.

But, what if your pet's main water bowl is empty? It's only natural that they'd seek out another water source, and the toilet seat can quickly become an attractive drinking option.

Here are some common reasons why pets might be attracted to the toilet water:

• Cool water: Pets prefer their drinking water to be cold or cool, and the porcelain bowl helps to maintain a cooler temperature.

• Running water: Pets will often seek out running water in preference to stagnant water, which can carry more parasites and other nasties.

• Forgetful pet owner: On busy days, it's easy to forget to check a pet's water bowl, and the toilet can become a back-up.

• Because they can: If the lid remains up, pets can easily access the toilet water!

A fresh viewpoint: Water Eyes in Dogs

Drinking from the toilet is not a recommended behavior for pets, and for good reason. The toilet bowl contains a variety of bacteria and viruses that can make pets sick.

Some of the most common bacteria found in toilet water include E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Giardia, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Campylobacter. These bacteria can cause vomiting and diarrhea in pets.

If your pet drinks from the toilet, it's usually not life-threatening, but it's not ideal behavior either. Dr. Renee Schmid, a senior veterinary toxicologist, notes that while most pets don't experience issues drinking from the toilet, certain bacteria could cause vomiting and/or diarrhea.

To discourage your pet from drinking toilet water, keep the toilet lid and/or bathroom door closed, or add a child safety lock to the toilet lid. You can also try relocating your pet's water bowl to a low-traffic spot or adding a few ice cubes to their water to make it more appealing.

If your pet is drinking from the toilet, it may be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as diabetes, poisoning, or kidney disease. In this case, see your vet to rule out any medical conditions.

Here are some common reasons why pets are attracted to toilet water:

To keep your pet safe, make sure to keep their water bowl full and fresh, and consider using a water fountain or adding a few ice cubes to their water to make it more appealing.

Take a look at this: How Do You Keep Dogs Water from Freezing