Why Do Dogs Like to Drink from the Toilet?

Drinking from the toilet is a typical dog habit that many owners experience, and many are frightened by it. Although it may seem strange to us, it is a perfectly natural behaviour for dogs.

Find out why your dog drinks from the toilet, whether it's dangerous for him and how to steer him towards the water bowl.

If your dog drinks from the toilet, it can be dangerous

Why does the dog drink from the toilet?

Obviously, we can't ask them why they choose this huge porcelain, but there are some common reasons why this habit might develop.

Our pets are genetically encoded to recognise that water flowing like rivers or streams is safer than stagnant water, in which harmful bacteria can breed. This explains their fascination with taps, hoses and toilets.

Another possible explanation is that their own water bowl is empty, has room temperature water in it, or has a dirty bowl. Some dogs can be particularly picky about the temperature and freshness of water - it is natural for them to seek other sources. What's more, cats and dogs, unlike us, can 'taste' water. They have specialised taste buds on the tip of their tongue.

Splashing water is instinctively attractive to dogs

According to experts, water richer in minerals provides a real "wow" experience for our pets. Interestingly, water that collects in the bottom of the shower, in the toilet, often concentrates calcium and other salts, making it like the most expensive airport mineral water for pets and humans.

But even if you always have fresh water in your bowl, toilet water can still be tempting. One reason for this is that toilet water is cold and renews itself after every flush. In addition, as mentioned above, running water is particularly attractive.

There are several little things you can do to make your dog's water bowl more attractive

Can drinking from the toilet be dangerous for our pets?

Toilet cleaners can contain chemicals that can be irritating and toxic, and residues of these chemicals can be present in toilet water. Check the ingredients in the cleaners you use regularly to make sure they don't contain any substances that are toxic to your dog. If your dog drinks toilet water with detergents left in it, call the vet immediately to see if emergency medical intervention is necessary.

How can I prevent my dog from drinking from the toilet?

As with many other dog training issues, prevention is the key. If you prevent him from drinking from the toilet when he's a puppy, you won't have to stop him later.

Keep the toilet lid down

The simplest solution is for each family member to make sure that the toilet seat and lid are always down after use. Although some resourceful and persistent dogs may be able to lift these up, this is rarely the case. If it does become a problem, it may be worth getting a child lock.

Make the water bowl more attractive

Once you've prevented your dog from accessing the toilet, it's also worth looking at why he found it more attractive than his own bowl.

Always provide him with fresh, cool and sufficient water. Try to place several water bowls in different areas of the home. You can also try bowls of different materials (metal, plastic, ceramic) and at different heights (for example, on a raised stand or on a low step). Change the water several times a day to keep it fresh and clean the bowls regularly.

If you've noticed that your dog particularly likes splashing water, it's worth getting a drinking fountain. These electric fountains circulate water continuously, which may be more appealing to a dog who originally liked to drink from the toilet.