It goes without saying that water is absolutely essential for your dog’s health. It is necessary for maintaining hydration, supporting digestion, regulating body temperature, and virtually every other bodily function.
So, if you notice that your pet refuses to drink water, it’s perfectly normal to get worried. Possible causes range from simple environmental factors, such as a dirty water bowl or recent diet change, to various medical conditions.
Any significant changes in drinking and urination habits should be brought to your vet’s attention, especially if accompanied by other symptoms of illness. If your dog is otherwise doing well, here are some practical tips on how to get your dog to drink water.
How Much Should Dogs Drink?
Water intake can vary based on several factors, including the size of your dog, their diet and activity level, and their overall health; however, most dogs should drink approximately one ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. But rather than measuring your dog’s water intake, it’s more important to watch for any changes from their norm.
Certain diseases, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and Cushing’s Disease, can cause an increase in drinking and urination. Others, such as pain, can cause a dog to drink less than usual. There are also many environmental factors that will influence how much water your dog drinks.
Why Your Dog Isn’t Drinking Enough Water
The first step towards solving this problem is understanding why it’s happening in the first place.
There are many potential reasons why your dog isn’t drinking enough water, but they can be roughly divided into three main categories.
Health Issues
Okay, let’s get the heavy stuff out of the way. Sometimes, your dog is refusing to drink water because there is an underlying medical issue that’s bothering them. This could be some type of pain, often associated with arthritis or dental health issues. If there is something in your dog’s mouth that is causing them discomfort, it’s possible that they will avoid drinking water out of fear of exacerbating it.
Other contributing factors may include gastrointestinal upset, infections, neurological problems, or medication side effects. Severe disease such as cancer, respiratory or cardiac disease, or end-stage kidney disease, can also cause a dog to feel so unwell that they no longer wish to eat or drink. In these cases, a pet owner will notice other symptoms as well.
If you suspect that health issues might be the reason your dog isn’t drinking water, it’s absolutely imperative to consult a vet.
Behavioral Reasons
Aside from physical health issues, sometimes the root cause can be of a psychological nature.
Dogs suffering from depression or anxiety (for example, due to a recent change in their routine or environment) may want to avoid their water bowl. If their water bowl is located in an area where they feel unsafe (for example, next to a loud washer or dryer), they may also try to avoid it.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors may also be at play. If water bowls are not cleaned properly your dog may be refusing to drink old or dirty water, which may smell and taste bad. They may not like the temperature of the water, the feel of the material of the bowl, or the location where it is placed. While these types of causes can often be tough to pin down, they’re usually fairly easy to solve.
Signs of Dehydration in Dogs
Moving on from potential causes, we should now talk about all the different symptoms that can help you recognize that your dog’s refusal to drink water has led to dehydration.
If you begin noticing any of these signs, consider it your cue to contact your veterinarian ASAP. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Dry gums
- Sticky saliva
- Loss of skin elasticity (prolonged skin tent)
- Sunken eyes
- Lethargy
- Reduced urination
- Dark-colored urine
- Vomiting or diarrhea
How to Get Your Dog to Drink Water
If you want to convince your dog to start drinking more water, consider these techniques.
1. Keep Water Fresh and Appealing
To prevent biofilm (a sticky film of bacteria) from building up, water bowls should be cleaned daily in the dishwasher or by hand with hot water and soap. Make sure that your dog always has easy access to fresh water, and refill their bowl frequently.
2. Experiment with Different Bowls
Sometimes, it’s not the water itself but the container holding it.
Dogs are quirky. Some of them prefer stainless steel bowls, others want plastic or ceramic. Some like a big, deep bowl, while others only drink from shallow ones.
Experiment with various types and combinations until you land on what works. Once you do, refer back to tip number one and do everything in your power to keep that bowl in optimal condition.
3. Add Flavor to the Water
Some dogs just aren’t all that thrilled by the taste of water. Try adding some flavor to it by mixing in a little bit of low sodium chicken or beef broth. That should entice even the pickiest of drinkers.
Also, some dogs like the look of ice cubes, so consider giving that a go, as well.
4. Create a Fun Drinking Experience
If adding extra taste to water doesn’t work, consider turning it into a whole experience filled with fun and excitement. Many dogs are naturally drawn to moving water, so installing a pet water fountain can be a great way to spark their interest. The flowing water mimics natural sources like streams, which makes it more appealing and exciting for your dog to drink.
5. Monitor and Adjust Water Access
If the water bowl is too hard to reach for your dog, eventually, they will just give up. This is especially the case for senior dogs or ones that have mobility issues.
Make sure that the bowl is in a location that is visible and easily accessible. Try moving it around the house until you find a spot your dog likes, or just put multiple bowls all over the place.
6. Incorporate Moisture Into Their Diet
If none of the things you’ve tried seem to be working, you can still find a clever way around it.
Instead of pleading with your dog to have a sip of water, try introducing more moisture into their diet. Replacing some of that kibble with wet food should go down well, and you can also mix the kibble with some water.
Also, in moderation, you may try giving your dog some safe human foods that have a high water content. Try making pupsicles! There are also many dogs out there who love watermelon and cucumbers.
7. Encourage Hydration During Activities
Dogs lose fluids during exercise, so it’s crucial to promote drinking during walks or playtime. Carry a collapsible water bowl or a dog-friendly water bottle when you’re out, and offer water breaks frequently.
When to Seek Veterinary Advice
If your dog continues to refuse to drink water despite the tips above or exhibits signs of dehydration or other illness, it’s time to seek veterinary assistance.
We have already talked about the signs you should watch out for, but some of them are more serious than others. Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, or extreme lethargy mean that the situation is critical.
A vet can identify any potential medical issues, and they can also give your dog fluids under the skin or via an IV to help rehydrate them.
Final Thoughts on How to Get Your Dog to Drink Water
Ensuring your dog drinks enough water is essential for their health, but if they’re refusing to drink, there are plenty of simple tricks you can try. From keeping water fresh and experimenting with bowls to adding flavor or even making hydration fun, there are many ways to encourage drinking.
However, if your dog consistently refuses water or shows signs of dehydration, it’s crucial to seek veterinary advice immediately. A vet can rule out any underlying health issues and provide the necessary treatment.
By staying proactive and creative, you can make hydration an easy and enjoyable part of your dog’s daily routine—helping them stay happy, healthy, and full of energy.
