How To Get a Dog To Drink Water

If you want to know how to get a dog to drink water, remember that a healthy dog gets thirsty and is stimulated to drink when the water ratio in the blood drops to a certain level. Normal dogs drink about twice the amount of water they need to return their water ratio to optimal levels for overall health.

If your dog won’t drink water, how much water should a dog drink a day depends on their size. Dogs need about one ounce of water (1/8 cup) for every pound they weigh. That means a ten-pound pooch should have about a cup of water daily. A lack of enough water can cause dog dehydration.

Some dogs have preferences about water taste and temperature, and they even get picky about the bowl. All that affects dog water intake. Read on to learn how you can encourage him to drink enough.

Why Water is Important for Dogs

Knowing how to get a dog to drink water is vital because water is the most important nutrient. Sixty percent of a dog's body weight is water. The dog water intake ratio is even higher in puppies.

Water lubricates the tissue and helps distribute electrolytes like salt throughout the body. Moisture is used in the digestion of food and carries away waste products in the urine and feces.

Dogs must constantly replenish water to account for losing water during elimination, the exhalation of each breath, and through the evaporation of saliva during panting. About 75 percent of water loss is due to urination, and another 20 percent occurs through the respiratory tract, mouth, and skin. Anything that increases the fluid loss, like overheating or diarrhea/vomiting, or interferes with the body's recouping moisture, may result in dog dehydration. 

Signs of dehydration become apparent with losses of as little as five percent of normal body water. A 12 to 15 percent loss of total body water results in shock and imminent death. Signs of dehydration include:

• Loss of skin elasticity. “Tenting” the skin measures elasticity and dehydration. Grasp the loose skin at the pet’s shoulder blades and gently lift. With normal hydration, skin immediately springs back when released. When slightly dehydrated, the skin retracts slowly. More serious dehydration causes retracted skin to remain in a ridge.
• Dry gums. The pet’s mouth becomes dry, the gums feel tacky instead of wet, and saliva turns stringy and thick.
• Capillary refill time (how long it takes for blood to return to tissue). Gently press the flat of one finger against the dog’s gums to temporarily block blood flow. A normal capillary refill time takes less than two seconds for the white gums to return to their normal pink color. At seven to eight percent dehydration, capillary refill time delays another two to three seconds. Longer than a four or five-second delay indicates severe dehydration. Sunken eyeballs.
• Involuntary muscle twitches.
• Weakness, or lethargy.
• Cold paw pads.

Common Reasons Why a Dog May Not Drink Water

Do you still wonder, “why is my dog not drinking?” There are several reasons, some normal and others serious, so review these common causes for dogs drinking less water.

• Wet food: Canned dog foods contain 72 to 78 percent water. Home-prepared foods also contain more water than commercial dry kibble. Dogs fed canned or home-prepared foods get some water this way instead.
• Dental disease: Dogs with sore gums, tongues, or teeth may avoid eating and drinking.
• Upset tummy: Nausea from eating the wrong thing, or from illness, may spoil the dog’s urge to drink.
• Illness: Any type of health challenge, from cancer to bladder infections may result in less water intake.
• Pain: Discomfort, including arthritis, could make it more difficult to reach the water bowl or cause dogs to delay drinking.
• Changes in routine: The loss of a pet friend, the absence of a favorite human, boarding, or other stressors like changing the diet can disrupt the dog’s water intake or prompt him to drink from other sources, like the toilet. Yuck!
• Dirty water bowls: Stale or dirty water from unwashed bowls smells and tastes bad and can reduce appeal.
• Medication side effects: Steroids, anti-seizure medications, and diuretics prescribed for health issues may result in dehydration.

How to Get a Dog to Drink Water More Often

• Make sure water is always available in non-spillable bowls. Change the water daily to ensure it stays clean and fresh. Wash the bowl as well. That alone can help with getting a dog to drink water.
• Use multiple ceramic or metal bowls in different locations. Plastic bowls often hold unappetizing smells. Flat-faced dogs like Bulldogs appreciate shallow, wide bowls that are easier to access.
• If your dog acts reluctant to drink, offer him ice cubes to lick or add to the water bowl. Add low-salt chicken broth to enhance the water's flavor.
• Consider a pet water bowl system, such as Always Full, to automate the process of keeping your pup's water fresh and full. Because Always Full continually refreshes filtered water and keeps your dog's bowl cleaner, the taste and quality are more appealing to dogs. As a bonus, if your dog needs water when no one's home, fresh water is always available.
• Offer wet food or add water to dry kibble to increase fluids.
• Pedialyte or Gatorade mixed 50/50 with water can counter the dehydration if he’ll drink it.
• Water fountains oxygenate water and make it smell and taste better to increase drinking. Praise and reward your dog when they drink water.
• NEVER force-feed water—instead, get your pet to the vet clinic for professional help.

When to Call the Vet

Call the vet if you notice the dog has refused water for more than 24 hours. Severe dehydration can result quickly, especially if vomiting, diarrhea, or other signs accompany snubbing the water bowl. Three days without water can be deadly.

Your vet will examine the dog and address any causes. For example, a diet change or dental cleaning may be recommended, or fluid therapy or anti-nausea medication like Cerenia may be administered. 

Keep Water a Top Priority

If you worry that your dog refuses to drink enough, you’re right that hydration keeps canine bodies healthy and happy. When you understand why he might snub the water bowl, you can use these steps to help keep your dog a tail-wagging water baby. Your veterinarian should remain your first call for answers or help with any questions about your dog’s healthy drinking habits.

Feature photo by Kampus Production/Pexels

Second image by Jonathan Borba/Pexels

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