Why Dogs Love Drinking Out Of The Toilet (And The Easiest Ways To Prevent It)

Pets are family members who behave like children in many ways, including making some unsanitary decisions. For example, dogs lick various parts of their bodies and eat their own vomit. Some dogs roll around in feces or mud in the yard, unfazed by the grimy appearance or foul odor that follows. Many dogs also love drinking from the toilet with no thoughts about what else it holds throughout the day. Usually, dogs slurp toilet water because of its cool temperature or because their water bowl is empty or dirty.

Humans often prefer ice-cold or cool water in a glass over warm or room-temperature water, so it makes sense that a dog would do the same. Other dogs have no problem drinking lukewarm H2O from their bowl, so the toilet would never be their first choice. That is, unless they have no other options; in a home with multiple pets that share the same single drinking bowl, the water can run out or get dirty quickly. Plus, a rambunctious pet could accidentally bump the bowl or completely knock it over, causing water spillage.

Aside from the gross factor, drinking from a toilet can be dangerous to a dog. This is due to the presence of bacteria and residual cleaning products that likely contain ammonium and pose a threat to pets. If your dog is a toilet water chugger, there are a few ways you can prevent this behavior.

Of course, the easiest and most obvious way to stop your dog from drinking toilet water is by keeping the toilet lid or bathroom door shut. Closing the toilet lid can provide additional benefits, so it's a good habit, even if you don't have a dog. Worried that your pup might scratch and damage the closed door in its attempt to enter the bathroom? Consider putting up a pet gate to keep your dog out of trouble.

Another easy way to prevent your dog from drinking toilet water is by making your dog's intended water station more appealing. Opt for stainless steel or ceramic, both of which are easy to clean and sanitize. The latter offers a cooler surface than stainless steel, which helps keep the water cool for longer. If you find that the bowl empties quickly, either buy a larger one or a second one. Just remember to clean them regularly.

You also have the option to add ice to your dog's bowl daily. Toss in some cubes every morning and refill as needed. Alternatively, place the bowl in the freezer overnight with a little bit of water in it — enough to coat the bottom. In the morning, fill the bowl up with fresh water. Make sure there's significantly more water in the bowl than ice. By implementing one or all of these tips, your dog shouldn't have a reason to visit the toilet anymore for hydration.