What Can Dogs Drink? Water, Milk, Tea, Soda and More
We’ve reviewed 7 drinks so far. 1 is OK only in small amounts. 1 is better skipped. 5 are toxic.
Reviewed by Dr. Adam Polosetski, DVM · 89 foods, each with its veterinary sources · updated Oct 20, 2026
Quick answers
What can dogs drink?
OK only in small amounts: Ice cubes.
Which drinks should dogs avoid?
Toxic: Alcohol, Coffee and caffeine, Energy drinks and soda, Hops and Hot cocoa. Better skipped: Tea. If your dog ate something toxic, call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 right away, even if she seems fine. Both answer 24/7. Don’t try to make her vomit unless a vet tells you to.
What can dogs drink?
| Food | Can she eat it? | The short answer |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | Toxic | No, dogs should not have alcohol, which can cause vomiting, loss of coordination, trouble breathing and tremors, and in severe cases a coma. |
| Coffee and caffeine | Toxic | No, caffeine is poisonous to dogs, and grounds, beans, tea bags, pills and energy drinks can cause serious poisoning. |
| Energy drinks and soda | Toxic | No, dogs should not have soda or energy drinks; they hold caffeine and sugar, and energy drinks and shots can pack enough caffeine to seriously poison a dog. |
| Hops | Toxic | No, hops are toxic to dogs and can trigger a dangerously high, fast-rising body temperature. |
| Hot cocoa | Toxic | No, hot cocoa is risky for dogs because cocoa powder is the most concentrated chocolate, and sugar-free mixes may contain xylitol. |
| Ice cubes | A little | Small, soft frozen treats are fine, but hard plain ice cubes are a known cause of broken teeth. |
| Tea | Skip it | No, skip caffeinated tea for your dog; a stray lick is unlikely to hurt, but tea bags, leaves and pods carry enough caffeine to poison her. |
