How long can dogs survive without water
How long can dogs survive without water there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of quenching your thirst with a refreshing glass of cold water on a sweltering summer day, especially after a vigorous walk or jog in the park! Just as vital for our furry companions, water plays a crucial role in maintaining good health.
Yet, not all dogs eagerly lap up water as frequently as they should, and a reduced intake can swiftly lead to dehydration and health issues. If you notice your dog isn’t drinking enough water throughout the day, it’s imperative to identify the root cause and take proactive steps to promote healthy hydration habits.
To assist you in this endeavor, we’ve compiled a helpful list of gentle strategies to encourage your dog to drink water and ensure their well-being during the warm summer months.
How much water should a dog drink a day?
Typically, a dog should consume between 40 to 60 milliliters of water per kilogram of body weight per day.
However, according to Purina, a reputable organization comprised of expert nutritionists, scientists, and veterinary professionals, the precise amount of water a dog requires varies depending on several factors, including:
- Diet
- Physical activity levels
- Size
Why won’t my dog drink water?
When you observe your dog drinking less water than usual, it’s crucial to pinpoint the underlying cause to promote healthy hydration habits.
Several reasons may contribute to decreased water intake in dogs, including:
- They’re in unfamiliar surroundings: Similar to humans, dogs can experience uncertainty and nervousness when exposed to unfamiliar environments. It’s not uncommon for dogs to exhibit reduced appetite and water intake when they’re placed in new surroundings, such as staying with friends, in kennels, or at doggy daycare.
- They’re getting older: As dogs enter their senior years, it’s typical for them to experience a decrease in thirst and appetite. Aging can bring reduced energy levels and weakened receptors, contributing to these changes. Despite these natural shifts, it remains crucial to prioritize proper nutrition and hydration for your aging companion. Offering the best dog food tailored for senior dogs and ensuring they consume an adequate amount of water each day is essential for supporting their overall health and well-being.
- Their water bowl is dirty: Just as we prefer clean and fresh water, dogs are more inclined to drink from bowls that offer clean and clear water. An unclean water bowl not only discourages drinking but also poses a health risk to your furry friend. Regularly cleaning and refilling your dog’s water bowl not only promotes hydration but also ensures their well-being by providing a safe and inviting drinking environment.
Checking for signs of dehydration:
When your dog isn’t consuming enough water, it’s crucial to be vigilant for signs of dehydration. One method is to assess the color of their gums. Red gums may indicate elevated body temperature or heatstroke, while blue gums could suggest oxygen deficiency in their body tissues.
Another indicator of dehydration is the skin elasticity test. Gently pinch the skin on your dog’s back and lift it slightly, ensuring it doesn’t cause discomfort. When released, the skin should promptly return to its original position. If dehydration is present, the skin will recede slowly. These simple checks can help you monitor your dog’s hydration status and take prompt action if necessary to ensure their well-being how long can dogs survive without water.
How to get a dog to drink more water:
If you’re concerned about your dog’s water intake, there are strategies you can employ to encourage them to drink more and ensure they remain properly hydrated.
Providing your pup with balanced nutrition is a crucial aspect of responsible pet care, and this includes maintaining adequate hydration levels.
While implementing these steps can be a positive first step in promoting water consumption, if you observe no improvement or have persistent concerns, it’s essential to seek guidance from a veterinarian for expert advice and assistance. Your vet can offer tailored recommendations to address your dog’s specific needs and ensure their continued health and well-being how long can dogs survive without water.
1. Make sure the water is clean and fresh
As previously emphasized, it’s essential to replenish your dog’s water bowl with fresh, clean water multiple times throughout the day.
A dirty water bowl could deter your dog from drinking enough water, so ensuring cleanliness is key to promoting hydration. Fortunately, addressing this issue is a simple and effective way to support your dog’s hydration needs.
Be diligent about changing the water in the bowl regularly, and take the time to wash the bowl thoroughly with warm, soapy water before refilling it for the night. By maintaining a clean and inviting water source, you can encourage your dog to stay properly hydrated and safeguard their health and well-being.
2. Ensure they get plenty of daily exercise
Engaging in physical activity can naturally prompt dogs to drink water and replenish their fluids. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll or an energetic run, exercise expends energy and increases the need for hydration. However, it’s essential to recognize that if your dog is not drinking water for an extended period, simply exercising them may not be the appropriate solution.
Exercising a dehydrated dog can lead to serious consequences, so it’s crucial to prioritize their health and well-being above all else. Always err on the side of caution and refrain from vigorous exercise if you suspect your dog is dehydrated. Instead, focus on providing them with opportunities to drink water and seek veterinary attention if necessary to address any underlying issues affecting their hydration.
3. Increase their accessibility
When your dog shows reluctance to drink water, it can be beneficial to provide multiple water bowls around the house. While most dogs typically have separate bowls for food and water, offering several water sources can encourage hydration, especially during warmer months when dogs may struggle to stay cool.
During hot weather, it’s essential to take proactive steps to help your dog beat the heat. Researching ways to keep your dog cool is crucial, as excessive heat can lead to discomfort and decreased energy levels. Providing easy access to water in various locations throughout the house is an effective way to encourage hydration, particularly for lethargic dogs seeking relief from the heat.
💡 Top Tip: Consider placing water bowls in areas of your home where your dog enjoys relaxing, such as by your shoes, under your feet, or at the end of the couch. By strategically positioning water bowls in these preferred spots, you can entice your dog to drink more while ensuring they remain comfortably hydrated.
4. Consider ice cubes and ice lollies
Ice cubes and frozen treats, such as dog ice lollies, can serve as enticing alternatives to encourage dogs to hydrate without directly consuming water. Not only do these chilly delights promote hydration, but they also offer a refreshing way to help dogs beat the heat on scorching summer days.
When offering ice cubes or frozen treats to your dog, it’s essential to ensure that they are appropriately sized for your dog’s breed and size to prevent choking hazards. By incorporating these cool treats into your dog’s routine, you can provide them with a fun and hydrating way to stay cool and comfortable during warm weather how long can dogs survive without water.
5. Provide plenty of positive reinforcement
Dogs respond well to positive reinforcement, and they’re usually eager to please their owners. Therefore, one effective method to encourage dogs to drink water is by offering plenty of verbal praise each time they approach the water bowl and take a drink.
When your dog takes a sip of water, offer enthusiastic praise and perhaps even reward them with a treat to reinforce the positive behavior. By consistently praising and rewarding your dog for drinking water, you can create a positive association with hydration and encourage them to continue drinking regularly how long can dogs survive without water.
6. Add small amounts of water to their food
While some dogs may eat less during the summer months, you might notice your dog still consuming food but not drinking enough water. If your dog maintains a healthy appetite, you can leverage mealtime to encourage hydration.
When feeding your dog dry food, it becomes even more critical for them to consume an adequate amount of water throughout the day. Unlike wet dog food, dry kibble contains only about 20-30% water.
To boost hydration when your dog is reluctant to drink, you can try adding water to their food bowl and allowing it to soak for 5-10 minutes, allowing the kibble to absorb the water. This can help increase their overall water intake.
While wet food typically contains a higher moisture content than dry kibble, if your dog’s reduced thirst persists, it may be worth consulting your vet for advice on potentially switching to a different type of food better suited to promoting hydration.
7. Trial flavoured water
Just like humans have preferences for still, sparkling, or flavored water, dogs can also be selective about the type of water they prefer to drink.
If you suspect that your dog’s reluctance to drink water may be due to indifference towards the taste, you can try enhancing the flavor by adding one or two flavored ice cubes to their water bowl. This simple addition can entice your dog to drink more and ensure they stay adequately hydrated.
If you’re unsure about what flavor to add to your dog’s water, here are some good ideas to consider:
- Bone broth Chicken broth Tuna juice
It’s important to ensure that the water flavorings you choose for your dog are low in sodium. High levels of salt can actually exacerbate dehydration, so opt for options with minimal sodium content.
