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Sometimes you may be enjoying a glass of hot water in the morning. This is a common practice in some parts of the world! Your dog may come over to see what you have, begging for his share! But can dogs drink hot water?
Has your dog drunk hot water? Are you worried the hot water may be bad for him? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog drinks something like this.
In this article, we’ll take a look at hot water and whether it’s safe for dogs to drink. Let’s get started!
Is Hot Water Safe for Dogs to Drink?
Can dogs safely drink hot water? The answer really depends on the temperature of the water. Each person has a different definition of what’s warm or hot. For some, a steaming glass of hot water is warm, while others may find it hot. It comes down to preferences.
We have to say that if water is boiling, then this is definitely not safe for dogs. Dogs have a more sensitive esophagus than we do. Their tissues will burn more easily for this reason.
Most dogs don’t tend to enjoy drinking warm or hot water. Of course, there are always those who are different! That’s OK! But the water should never be hot enough to burn your skin. At this temperature, the water will definitely burn the inside of your dog’s mouth and esophagus.
Accidents Happen
Accidents will happen, and it’s possible a dog may lap up hot water that’s spilled. If this has happened with your dog, and the water is hot enough to burn your skin, then call the vet. It’s possible your dog’s mouth, and throat could have been burned.

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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Burns in Dog’s Mouth & Throat
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has been burned by drinking hot water:
- Swollen tongue
- Decreased appetite
- Excessive drooling
- Pawing at mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shock
- Burns on the outside of the dog’s mouth
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, then call the vet right away. It’s possible your dog could have very serious burns in his mouth and throat.
The vet may treat your dog’s burns by flushing his mouth with cold water for about 20 minutes. This helps to soothe the tissues. Depending on the severity of the burns, your fur baby may need to be hospitalized for a time. The vet may treat your dog with IV fluids and pain relief. It’s possible your canine companion may also require antibiotics and need to be sedated.
The prognosis for this type of burn depends on how soon the dog receives medical treatment. Dogs who see the vet soon after being burned have the best chances of making a full recovery!
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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