How To Encourage Your Dog To Drink More Water

It's important to keep your dog hydrated!

Keeping your dog hydrated is essential for their health, but sometimes getting them to drink enough water can be a challenge. Dogs, especially those who are picky or stressed, may not always drink as much as they should. But don’t worry, there are several ways to encourage them to drink more water!

Here are some helpful tips on how to get dogs to drink more water:

1. Provide Fresh Water at All Times

• Always ensure that your dog has access to fresh, clean water throughout the day. Change the water in their bowl regularly (at least twice a day) to keep it appealing.

• If the water bowl has been sitting out for a while or is dirty, your dog may be put off by it.
  

2. Use a Dog Water Fountain

• Just like cats, many dogs are drawn to running water. A dog water fountain keeps the water fresh and moving, which can encourage your dog to drink more.

• The sound and flow of water may entice them to drink more often.
  

3. Add Wet Food to Their Diet

• Mixing wet dog food into their meals adds moisture and helps them stay hydrated.

• If you’re feeding dry kibble, try mixing it with water or broth to make it more enticing.

• Some dogs will happily eat more if there's liquid in their food, which can help increase their overall water intake.
  

4. Flavour the Water

• Adding flavor to the water can make it more appealing for your dog. Try adding a little:

  • Low-sodium chicken or beef broth (no onions or garlic)

  • Ice cubes with flavors like broth or a small amount of tuna juice

• Just be careful not to add too much salt or any ingredients that are harmful to dogs.
  

5. Make Ice Cubes or Frozen Treats

• Ice cubes can be a fun way to get your dog to drink more water, especially on hot days.

  • You can freeze broth, water, or even small pieces of dog-friendly treats into the ice cubes for extra flavor.

  • Dogs love to chew on ice cubes, and as they do, they’re also consuming more water.

• Some dogs enjoy frozen dog treats made from water or broth as an additional way to keep hydrated.
  

6. Change the Bowl or Location

• Dogs can be picky about where their water is placed. Try moving their water bowl to a new location where they feel more comfortable drinking.

• Make sure the bowl is shallow and easy to drink from, especially if your dog has a flat face (like Bulldogs or Pugs). Specialized slow-feed bowls can also help reduce spills and encourage drinking.
  

7. Encourage Drinking After Playtime

• Playtime or walks can make your dog thirsty, so offer them water right after they’re active. This is when they may be most eager to drink.

• They love drinking from a hose and it’s a warm day? Let them!

• Bring water on walks or hikes, especially in hot weather, to prevent dehydration.
  

8. Keep the Water Cool

• If your dog doesn’t drink much in the heat, they may prefer cool water. Use a chilled water bowl or ice cubes to keep the water at a more refreshing temperature.

• On particularly hot days, consider offering them water more frequently to keep them hydrated.
  

9. Monitor Water Intake and Encourage Regular Sips

• Some dogs drink less if they’re stressed, anxious, or distracted. Encourage regular sips by offering water throughout the day.

• When training, give your dog positive reinforcement (like treats or praise) when they drink water, especially if they’re not drinking enough.
  

10. Check for Health Issues

• If your dog suddenly refuses to drink or has a decrease in their water intake, it’s a good idea to check with the vet. Dehydration or lack of appetite can be signs of an underlying health issue, such as:

  • Kidney disease

  • Diabetes

  • Dental issues

  • Stomach upset
    

Important! Signs of Dehydration in Dogs

If you’re concerned your dog isn’t drinking enough water, watch for these signs of dehydration:

• Dry nose and gums

• Lethargy or weakness

• Sunken eyes

• Loss of skin elasticity (try gently pinching the skin – if it doesn’t snap back quickly, it could be a sign of dehydration)

• Vomiting or diarrhoea (which can lead to dehydration)
  

By following some of these simple steps, you can encourage your dog to drink more water and stay healthy and hydrated! If you’re worried about your dog’s water intake or notice signs of dehydration, definitely check in with your vet for further advice.