How Can I Get My Dog To Drink more Water

How can i get my dog to drink more water Is your furry friend getting enough H2O? Ensuring your dog stays hydrated is fundamental for their well-being, yet many pups don’t hydrate adequately. But fear not, there are ways to encourage them to sip more.

Spotting whether your dog is hitting the hydration mark isn’t always straightforward. Sure, you might catch them lapping up water, but is it enough? We’ll delve into the signs that indicate whether your dog’s water intake is on point, plus offer savvy strategies to up their hydration game.

While there could be various reasons why your pup isn’t reaching for the water dish, a total aversion to drinking is never normal. If your dog is steering clear of water entirely, it’s time to dial your vet for urgent care.

What Causes a Dog Not to Drink Water?

If you’re on a mission to boost your dog’s water intake, it’s crucial to uncover the underlying reasons behind their reluctance first. Pinpointing the cause is key before diving into solutions.

Understanding why your dog might be shying away from the water bowl allows for targeted interventions. Once you’ve cracked the code, you can implement effective strategies to remedy the situation and ensure your furry companion stays adequately hydrated.

Factors contributing to your dog’s reluctance to drink water may include:

Natural Ageing  

Numerous elderly dogs lack the vitality required to guzzle down water. Despite feeling thirsty, the effort required to drink copious amounts can deter them. Limited physical activity exacerbates the issue, as aging dogs tend to be less active.

Introducing delectable wet or raw food options can bolster your senior dog’s hydration levels and entice even the fussiest eaters. Dental woes common in older dogs can hinder their ability to chew dry kibble, making moist options preferable.

Wet dog foods boast not only higher moisture levels but also pack a protein punch with minimal carbs. This elevated protein content caters to the nutritional requirements of aging dogs with sluggish metabolisms.

Dirty Water

Dogs boast an extraordinary sense of smell and taste, picking up on scents imperceptible to humans. If water carries a foul odor or tastes off, your furry friend may refuse it.

Dirty bowls are another culprit. Food debris deposited in water can spoil, repelling your pup from their bowl. Moreover, water rich in iron content might not sit well with your canine companion.

Ensuring a fresh water supply is crucial. Investing in a water fountain can stimulate interest and maintain water quality. Many pets, influenced by their ancestral instincts, prefer flowing water over stagnant sources. This preference stems from their wolf ancestry, where running water symbolized purity and safety.

Streams and rivers, with their flowing water, typically harbor fewer bacteria, appealing to dogs’ innate desire for cleanliness. The motion of running water fosters aeration, curbing bacterial growth, which your dog may find more appealing.

Dehydration from Inadequate Water Consumption

Is your pup exhibiting signs of dehydration like excessive drooling or panting, along with red, sticky, or dry gums? Conduct a simple skin elasticity test by gently pinching and releasing your dog’s skin to assess hydration levels. Slow skin recoil indicates dehydration.

If your furry friend is dehydrated, avoid allowing them to gulp down excessive water too quickly, as it may lead to vomiting. Instead, offer small, frequent amounts of water to prevent overconsumption.

During hot weather, consider hydrating your dog gradually with homemade frozen treats. Always ensure access to clean, fresh water. Additionally, investing in a cooling vest can help regulate your pet’s core body temperature, warding off dehydration and ensuring they stay comfortably cool.

Injury or Illness 

When your canine companion is unwell or injured, they may not consume adequate food or water. Oral issues like periodontal disease or tooth abscesses can make drinking painful, leading your dog to avoid it altogether.

Similarly, urinary tract infections (UTIs) can hinder urine flow and cause discomfort, dampening your dog’s thirst and prompting them to refuse water.

If you suspect your dog’s decreased water intake stems from injury or illness, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian for a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment and recovery.

How to Get Your Dog to Drink More Water

A common concern voiced to veterinarians is, “My dog isn’t drinking enough water.” Indeed, many dogs don’t meet their daily hydration needs. But fret not, there are methods to boost your dog’s water intake.

1. Feed Wet Food

Ensuring your dog stays adequately hydrated is best achieved through a moisture-rich diet. In their natural habitat, dogs derive much of their hydration from fresh, raw food, a practice domesticated dogs can benefit from.

Fresh, raw dog food boasts high moisture content, surpassing the hydration offered by water alone. Additionally, canned dog food serves as another excellent source of moisture. Whether fed as a complete diet or combined with dry food, it enhances your dog’s hydration levels, promoting overall well-being.

2. Use Moisture Rich Food Toppers

Irrespective of your dog’s diet, incorporating a flavorful dog food topper can elevate their hydration game. Whether it’s creamy Goat’s Milk, nutritious Pet Milk, or savory Bone Broth, these options provide a tasty boost of moisture, ensuring your furry friend stays hydrated and satisfied.

3. Try Wet Dog Treats

Indulging your pup with treats presents yet another avenue to amp up their hydration. Delightful options like Puppy Cake Dog Ice Cream or This & That Brothcicles not only offer a sweet indulgence but also provide valuable moisture to keep your dog refreshed.

For a creative twist, whip up homemade frozen dog treats using simple recipes. Explore our curated collection of Top Frozen Dog Treat Recipes for inspiration, making hydration a delightful experience for your furry friend.

4. Feed Fresh Veggies and Fruits

Incorporating fresh, ground veggies into your dog’s meals or snacks is a fantastic way to boost their hydration. Certain dog-safe vegetables and fruits pack a moisture punch, making them excellent choices for your pup. Opt for hydrating options like pumpkin, cucumber, tomato, spinach, and melon to keep your furry friend refreshed and nourished.

5. Use a Dog Water Fountain

Investing in a dog water fountain can serve as a valuable tool to promote increased water consumption in your canine companion. These fountains come equipped with filters, effectively eliminating debris and odors that often accumulate in stagnant water bowls. Additionally, the continuous movement of water helps maintain a slightly cooler temperature, making it more enticing for your dog to drink.

6. Always Keep Water Close

Ensuring access to fresh, clean water is paramount both indoors and outdoors. Equipping your home with multiple water sources and investing in essentials like a dog travel bowl for car rides and a dog water bottle for walks guarantees that your furry companion can hydrate whenever the need arises.

7. Add Flavour to Their Water

Enhancing the flavor of your dog’s water can be a clever tactic to boost hydration. Simply adding a touch of broth, like bone broth, can entice your dog to drink more. However, it’s best to add just a teaspoon to a small portion of water and offer it fresh. Any leftovers should be promptly refrigerated to prevent spoilage.

It’s essential to maintain a separate bowl of fresh, clean water that can be left out at all times. Once you’ve introduced a food product, the water can spoil quickly, so keeping a dedicated water source ensures your dog always has access to clean hydration.

8. Build a Routine

Incorporating regular water breaks into your dog’s daily routine is key to promoting hydration. Make it a habit to offer water after their first pee break in the morning, following walks, vigorous play sessions, and meals. By consistently prompting your dog to drink during these opportune moments, you’ll help instill the habit, and over time, they’ll instinctively seek out their water bowl throughout the day.

9. Keep it Clean

Your dog’s water bowl can quickly become a breeding ground for dirt, debris, hair, and bacteria, tarnishing the taste of the water. Regularly swapping out the water with fresh, clean water each day is crucial to stave off unpleasant flavors and odors. Additionally, sanitizing the bowl weekly can mitigate slimy residue and curb the growth of harmful bacteria, ensuring your furry friend always enjoys a refreshing drink.

10. Eliminate competition

In homes with multiple pets, sharing water bowls can sometimes spark competition, making timid dogs reluctant to hydrate. Introducing multiple bowls can alleviate this issue, but ensuring accessibility for all pets is key.

For larger pets, raised dog bowls can help minimize crossover with smaller companions, reducing tension during water time. Alternatively, placing water bowls in separate areas of the house, tailored to each pet’s preference, can help maintain peace and ensure every furry friend has easy access to hydration.

Why a Dog Needs Sufficient Water 

Water, often overlooked but essential, can be considered the “unwritten” fourth macronutrient in a dog’s diet. While we emphasize protein, carbohydrates, and fats, water plays an equally vital role.

From aiding digestion and distributing nutrients to maintaining healthy skin and coat, water is indispensable for a thriving canine. Its importance extends far beyond simple hydration, making it an indispensable component of a well-rounded diet.

Better Digestion

Adequate moisture is crucial for dogs’ digestion. Water in the intestinal tract plays a pivotal role in stool formation and ensures that food is appropriately broken down at a suitable pace. This underscores the importance of hydration in maintaining optimal digestive health for our canine companions.

Flush Out Toxins 

Water serves as a natural detoxifier, aiding in flushing toxins from the body, a particularly valuable asset when your pet is unwell. Additionally, it can prove beneficial if your dog has ingested tainted or spoiled foods that might upset their digestive system. Given dogs’ penchant for scavenging and exploring, they may encounter potentially harmful substances, making access to clean, fresh water essential for maintaining their well-being.

Replenishes Body Fluids 

Illness in dogs, often accompanied by symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting, can lead to rapid fluid loss. It’s crucial to prioritize hydration by ensuring your furry friend has access to fresh, clean water. This helps replenish lost fluids and supports their recovery process, promoting their overall well-being.

Water As a Necessity for Survival 

Water is a vital necessity for all mammals, including dogs. Without it, your canine companion can swiftly become dangerously dehydrated, jeopardizing their health. If your pup shows signs of refusing to drink, it’s imperative to seek veterinary care promptly. Timely intervention can be critical in addressing underlying issues and ensuring your dog’s well-being.

How to Get a Dog to Drink Water FAQ

If you’re grappling with the challenge of encouraging your dog to drink more water, exploring these frequently asked questions could provide valuable insights and strategies to address the issue effectively.

Why will my dog not drink water?

Various factors can contribute to your dog’s reluctance to drink water, from underlying illness to issues like dirty water. Senior dogs, in particular, may face challenges due to dental issues or simply feeling less inclined to visit the water bowl. Understanding these factors can help you devise targeted solutions to ensure your furry friend stays hydrated and healthy.

How long can a dog go without water?

Illness in dogs can lead to a loss of appetite and decreased water intake, posing a serious risk of dehydration. Given that mammals can typically survive only three days without water, it’s crucial to seek immediate veterinary care if your dog shows signs of not drinking water. Timely intervention is essential to address underlying health issues and ensure your pet’s well-being.

How can I treat dehydration in my dog? 

Offering your pup electrolyte-rich foods like pumpkin puree, bone broth, or wet dog food can help boost hydration levels, unlike dry foods such as kibble, which may exacerbate dehydration. It’s crucial to ensure your dog always has ample access to fresh, clean water to maintain optimal hydration and overall well-being.

Why does my dog eat but not drink water? 

If your dog’s diet provides ample moisture, they may require less additional water intake. However, for dogs consuming dry diets like air-dried or kibble, a reluctance to drink water could signal a potential issue that warrants further investigation. Monitoring your dog’s water consumption is essential, as it can offer valuable insights into their hydration status and overall health.

How much water should a puppy drink? 

Typically, young puppies will consume around half a cup of water every few hours, while older puppies may drink between half an ounce to an ounce of water per pound of body weight. However, these amounts can vary based on factors like temperature, diet, and activity level. Keeping an eye on your puppy’s water intake and adjusting accordingly ensures they stay properly hydrated as they grow.

Can I flavour my pup’s water?

Adding flavor to your pet’s water can indeed incentivize them to drink more, but it’s essential to choose additives wisely. Artificial flavors and sweeteners can be harmful or even toxic to dogs. Instead, opt for natural options like bone broth, ensuring a safe and enticing hydration experience for your furry friend. Remember to refrigerate the water to prevent spoilage and maintain freshness.