Why Do Dogs Drink Toilet Water?

A dog drinking out of the toilet bowl is silly in movies and on TV, so surely it’s harmless, right? Gross, for sure, but no big deal.Toilet water isn’t the worst thing your dog can consume, but it’s definitely not ideal. From bacteria to residues of cleaning products, the toilet is not the best drinking spot.

“Even though it seems gross to us, many dogs are drawn to toilet water because it’s cold and fresh,” dog trainer and author Sassafras Patterdale says. “Dogs are also drawn to toilet water because it’s often moving after flushing, which can make it seem fresher.”

What is in toilet water?

Toilet bowls are full of potentially hazardous bacteria, including E. coli, which is deadly and found in feces. And people who take medications or are undergoing medical treatments like chemotherapy can pass chemical substances into the toilet, which could harm your dog and cause infection.

Is toilet water safe?

Toilet cleaning products often contain toxic chemicals that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomachache, or even poisoning if your dog consumes them. While the water starts out as the same, clean tap water in your sink, it moves through a pipe before reaching the bowl, mixing with all kinds of bacteria, no matter how often you clean your toilet. 

“Dogs shouldn’t be allowed to drink from toilets because it can be harmful to them,” Patterdale says. “Not only can toilets contain bacteria that could make dogs sick, but we also use all kinds of toilet cleaners, which are generally toxic and not safe for dogs to drink.”

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Why do dogs drink toilet water?

A curious dog may drink out of the toilet just because it’s there. (Listen, they’re not always the smartest animals.) For other dogs, the water in the toilet bowl can seem more appealing if their own water bowl isn’t full of fresh, cold water. That’s right, your dog may just be particular about their drinking water and looking for a better source.

The appeal of toilet water to dogs

Your dog may find the toilet water interesting just because it’s cold and in motion, at least after being flushed. The bathroom is also a somewhat private place to drink water, which may be appealing to a dog looking for a little peace and quiet.

Risks of drinking toilet water for dogs

Some toilet cleaners include toxic chemicals and should not be consumed. Even if you haven’t cleaned the toilet in a few days, residue from these cleaners can still hang around in the bowl and cause vomiting or diarrhea if your dog drinks from it. 

Toilet bowls are also full of bacteria, making the water non-drinkable. While your dog likely won’t end up in the emergency room, they may still get sick from drinking toilet water. 

How to prevent your dog from drinking toilet water

OK, you don’t want your dog to drink out of the toilet bowl, but how do you stop them? The best thing you can do is prevent the opportunity, whether by using a child safety lock on the toilet lid or just keeping the bathroom door closed. 

“The easiest way to prevent dogs from drinking toilet water is to keep the toilet seat down when the toilet isn’t in use,” Patterdale says. “It’s also helpful to make sure your dog’s water bowl is regularly refilled and fresh. For dogs who are especially drawn to running water, a bowl with a fountain or recirculating feature can also be a great deterrent from drinking out of the toilet bowl.”

You should also try to make your pet’s actual water bowl more enticing by:

• Spreading multiple water bowls throughout the home.

• Try different bowl materials (ceramic, metal) and raised bowls.

• Invest in a pet water fountain to provide your dog with a moving water source.

• Add a few ice cubes to your dog’s fresh drinking water. 

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What to do if your dog drinks a lot of toilet water

If you catch your pet sneaking off to drink out of the toilet regularly or drinking more than usual, it may be a sign of an underlying health problem, like diabetes or kidney disease. Contact your vet to check on your pet’s health and determine if they need immediate medical attention. 

Bottom line

While it may seem like a harmless habit, toilet water isn’t safe for your dog to drink and can lead to infection or illness. Instead, work to make their water bowls more interesting and enticing and keep the toilet off limits to your pup. 

FAQs

Is it harmful for dogs to drink toilet water?

While drinking from the toilet bowl is usually not life-threatening, it still has the potential to cause harm to your dog if they consume it. Toilet water may include bacteria and the residue of cleaning products that can be toxic.

What alternative options can I provide to ensure my dog has fresh water?

Place multiple water bowls around the house of varying heights and materials and ensure they’re filled with fresh, cold water. You can also purchase a pet water fountain, which offers your dog moving water. 

References

• de Sousa, Telma, et al. “The Impact of the Virulence of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Isolated from Dogs.” Veterinary Sciences, vol. 10, no. 5, 1 May 2023, p. 343, www.mdpi.com/2306-7381/10/5/343.

• Marques, Cȧtia, et al. “Klebisiella Pneumoniae Causing Urinary Tract Infections in Companion Animals and Humans: Population Structure, Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Genes.” Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, vol. 74, no. 3, Nov. 2018, pp. 594-602. https://doi.org/10.1093/jac/dky499. 

• Texas A&M Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “Hydration Habits.” VMBS News, 11 Mar. 2022, vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/hydration-habits.