Dogs need water to survive, just like humans. As a dog owner, you must ensure your furry friend stays hydrated. In this blog, we’ll share some effective ways: “How To Get A Dog To Drink Water.”
Hydration is necessary for all animals. Dogs are more likely to pant and lose water. They need to maintain their hydration levels in all weather conditions.
How To Get A Dog To Drink Water?
For every pound of body weight, a dog needs one ounce of water. So, a 10-pound dog needs to drink 10 ounces of water per day.
There are a few possible explanations for your dog’s lack of water intake. If you have a senior dog, getting to the water bowl might be painful for their joints. Keep the water close to them and incorporate wet food into your pet’s diet.
Dogs can be picky. If the water bowl is dirty or the water has been sitting around for a long, your pup may refuse to drink water. Make it a goal to change the water at least once a day. The water bowl should be cleaned every day as well.
Let’s look at ways to trick your dog into drinking water.
Tricks To Get Your Dog To Drink Water
1. Ice Cubes:
Freeze water in a silicon mould. It is a fun way to get your pup to drink water. Make sure to not hand a chunk of ice[1] to a small dog as it can prove to be a choking hazard. Shaved ice is much better. You can also choose to add ice cubes to their water.
2. Water Fountain:
A water fountain or a water dispenser ensures that the water remains fresh. It is a helpful product to have around especially during summers as it keeps the water cool. They come in a variety, of plastic, ceramic or even steel. A must-buy product for felines as well as canines.
3. Wet Food:
You can also choose to add water to kibble. Let it soak up all the moisture and then serve. Switching over completely to wet food is a great idea
“Wet food starts with grinding the protein sources, or meat ingredients,” says Dr. Heather Hoffmann from PetMD. “Then a gravy that contains vitamins, minerals, and grains is added. Once those are mixed, the food is cooked and sterilized to produce the canned product.“
Both dry food and wet food have their benefits. But, wet food is especially preferred if your dog isn’t good at being hydrated. It can also give you a chance to cook for your pet.
4. Add Flavour to Water:
If you have bone broth or chicken broth left, it is a good idea to freeze it in a popsicle mould. It’ll be a treat for your dog, while they hydrate themselves.
5. Change Bowls and Their Position:
When you get a new bowl for your puppy, they will be more than excited to try it. You can shift from steel bowl to ceramic bowl. If you have a pet that tends to lap up water and make a mess, a mat for a dog bowl is a good idea. Placing the bowl in new spots, where your dog tends to be the most, will increase their water intake.
6. Making New Associations:
Your doggy may have bad memories associated with the dog bowl. Maybe their tail was stepped on the last time they tried drinking water. It is advised to change the water bowl and its position. This will eventually help the pet form new associations with water, hopefully healthy ones.
Why Do Dogs Need Water?
Dogs are just like us humans. They don’t like water because it’s bland. But water is very crucial to body functions.
Similar to our bodily functions, water helps in digestion in dogs as well. Not consuming enough water can cause various digestive issues like diarrhoea or vomiting. Dehydration is also a symptom of serious underlying ailments like kidney disease or diabetes.
Water keeps the body cool. Lack of water can cause overheating[2]. Symptoms include vomiting or diarrhoea, and bright blue or red gums. When you suspect overheating, place your dog under cool tap water and immediately contact your vet. Water also cushions your pup’s joints.
FAQs
How to get a dog to drink water?
There are several reasons why your dog may not drink water. Ensure that your pet’s water bowl is clean and refilled often. Try changing the water bowl. It is also a good idea to offer frozen treats to your doggy. Switching over to wet food is the last resort. It is high in moisture and can keep your pet hydrated.
What can dogs drink if they don’t drink water?
Another way to hydrate your dog is to use flavoured water. It can be unsalted bone or chicken broth. Coconut water and fresh fruit and vegetable juice are also a safe option. Wet food, with gravy, is high in moisture and can help hydrate your pet.
How long can a dog go without water?
Dogs can go 72 hours without water, that is 3 days. However, your pet will show signs of dehydration in the first 24 hours. It is not a good idea to let your pooch go this long without water. It can cause other health complications.
How much water should a dog drink a day?
A general rule of thumb is 1oz of water per pound. By that, a 20-pound dog needs 20 ounces of water. Pet owners should ensure that their pets are meeting the daily intake goal. If they are not drinking sufficient amount of water, you can trick your pet into hydration through frozen treats and ice cubes.
Why is my dog not drinking water but still peeing?
This can be a symptom of underlying kidney diseases or diabetes. It is best advised to consult your vet. They will run a few tests and arrive at a diagnosis, Follow the doctor’s orders and prescription. Be in constant touch with them and share your observations.
Conclusion
Our furry friends are prone to dehydration, it is up to us as responsible pet parents to get them to drink water. We hope we answered your query: “How To Get A Dog To Drink Water?”
It is important to ensure that both you and your pet are well-hydrated throughout the day. Drinking plenty of water helps to regulate body temperature, lubricate joints, and flush out toxins. Make sure to always have a clean, fresh source of water available for yourself and your pet.
References:
- Ice cubes for dogs. Blue Cross.
- Dogs overheating: Signs, symptoms, & prevention. American Kennel Club.
