Article

How to Get Your Dog to Drink Water: 4 Easy Tips

There’s nothing more refreshing than drinking cold water on a hot day, and your dog should feel the same! But what do you do if your dog is avoiding hydration?

Discover reasons they may not be drinking, how to spot signs of dehydration, and tips on how to get your dog to drink water.

Why Isn’t My Dog Drinking Water?

Before attempting to get your dog to drink more water, you should determine why they aren’t drinking in the first place. Although there are many possible reasons dogs avoid drinking water, it’s most common when they’re experiencing nausea, illness, or pain.

When they’re feeling unwell, your dog may neither have the appetite to consume anything nor the energy to get themselves to their water bowl. If you’re worried about your dog’s health, it is best to consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Another reason your dog may not be drinking much is simply because it’s unappealing to them at that moment—whether it’s lack of excitement, disinterest, or even stubbornness.

It can be tricky to tell how much water your dog may need daily, but it generally depends on their size. A dog should typically drink 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. However, your dogs’ breed, climate, activity levels, or current state of health can impact daily water intake.

Common Signs of Dehydration

If your dog is not drinking enough water, they may get dehydrated. To tell if your dog is dehydrated, look for these common symptoms:

Sticky, dry, and pale gums
Loss of skin elasticity
Dry nose
Excessive panting
Loss of appetite
Thicker saliva
Vomiting
Diarrhea

Dehydration can become a dangerous condition, and you should contact your vet right away if symptoms persist.

4 Tips on Getting a Dog to Drink Water

Trying to figure out how to get your dog to drink more water? Consider these simple solutions!

#1: Switch up their dog food: Serving wet dog food or adding something like broth or water to your dog’s dry kibble can not only help increase their daily water intake but also incorporate some extra nutrients. It also helps introduce a little something extra to their usual meals, making them more inclined to lick the bowl clean!

#2: Switch up their water: Similar to adding liquids to your dog’s food, you can also mix up their water routine! Even something as simple as using filtered water or adding ice to their bowl can entice them into drinking. If you’ve been looking for ways to supplement your dog’s dental health, you can also consider an oral care water additive. It may just be what your dog needs to vary up their water bowl and help freshen their breath!

#3: Change water often and clean bowl daily: The longer water stays in your dog’s bowl, the less inclined they’ll be to drink it. Rinse your dog’s bowl daily to avoid it accumulating dust, hair, bits of food, or even an unpleasant slime.

#4: Try a water fountain: If your dog is bored with their usual bowl, try something fun instead! There are plenty of water-drinking fountains and dispensers that could add a little twist on your dog’s hydration setup.

Drink Up!

two jack russels drinking from street tap

Proper hydration is important year-round, but it’s especially key when caring for your dog in the summer. Understanding the signs of dehydration, why your dog might not be drinking water, and tips to encourage hydration will help keep your best friend feeling their best.