5 Tips on How to Get Your Dog to Drink More Water
Approximately 70 percent of a dog’s body is made up of water; it’s a vital component that’s necessary for most bodily functions. Without it, they won’t be able to survive.
While most dogs will naturally seek out water when they’re thirsty, there’s no guarantee. For example, a dog might refuse to drink water if they’re in an unfamiliar environment or if the bowl is dirty.
They might also refuse if they have tooth pain or another underlying medical condition.
The good news is there are ways to get your dog to drink more water. Just keep in mind that it might take some trial and error to find out what works.
Staying Hydrated: How to Get Your Dog to Drink More Water
1. Make Sure They Have Clean, Fresh Water
Just because your dog puts less-than-clean things in their mouths, doesn’t mean they like drinking dirty water.
Make sure to change their water at least twice a day, ideally once in the morning and once at night.
While tap water will do the trick in most situations, some dogs may not like chlorine taste, in which case, you can use filtered water (this is what we do for our pup).
You also want to clean their water bowl regularly and by that we don’t mean sticking it under the faucet for a few seconds. Take the time to lather it up with dish soap and gently scrub, just like you would with your dishes.
Make sure to use hot water and pay extra attention to areas that feel slimy; that’s not their saliva, it’s a layer of bacteria that has accumulated on the bowl.
2. Use a Stainless Steel Pet Water Fountain
Most people think of cats when they hear ‘pet water fountain’ but the truth is, some dogs also prefer running water.
This goes back to their wild ancestors who likely perceived flowing water to be fresher and safer compared to stagnant water as the latter is often contaminated in nature.
When choosing a pet water fountain, make sure to do your research. First off, make sure the size of the fountain matches your dog’s size.
For example, you wouldn’t want to get a big dog water fountain if you have a small pomeranian or chihuahua.
The quality of the material is also important. If you can, look for a pet fountain that’s made of food-grade stainless steel. Not only is it easier to clean compared to plastic but it’s also more durable.
A ceramic pet water fountain is another option. Unlike plastic, it’s non-porous, meaning it won’t absorb odors, stains, and bacteria. Ceramic surfaces are also easy to clean, which makes them more hygienic.
3. Make the Water More Appealing
Some dogs may find plain water unappealing. To make it more ‘exciting’, you can add some things to the water.
For example, you can add a splash of low-sodium beef or chicken broth. You can also add a dash of milk.
Whichever you choose, just make sure not to add too much, otherwise it can do more harm than good.
Another option is to put a few ice cubes in the water; that can make it more enticing for your pup. If your dog is anything like ours, however, they may try to take the ice cube out of the bowl and eat it elsewhere on the floor so beware of that.
4. Encourage Drinking During Mealtimes
One ‘sneaky’ way to get your dog to drink more water is to add it to their kibble. You don’t need to add too much; about half a cup will do, though some people go for a 1:1 ratio.
Not only will this keep them hydrated but the water will also soften the kibble, making it easier to digest. This can help dogs with sensitive tummies or dental issues.
By adding water, the kibble will also turn into a thick soup-like consistency, which will prevent fast eaters from scarfing it down.
It can also help picky eaters as warm water will draw out the flavor of the kibble, making it more appealing.
5. Offer Water-Rich Treats
If your dog doesn’t drink water, you can try giving them water-rich treats instead. For instance, you can give them small pieces of watermelon, cucumber or strawberries.
If you have time, you can also make them some tasty treats with beef broth and water. It’s easy, all you need is a silicone mold tray, some low-sodium broth (beef bone broth powder for dogs will do as well) and water.
Start by mixing the broth with water; you want to dilute it so it’s not too heavy. Once it’s combined, pour it into the silicone tray and place it in the freezer. Wait a few hours and the treats will be ready.
For dogs that like fruits, you can also make ‘pupsicles’ by blending the fruit and combining it with other ingredients such as yogurt or peanut butter. Just make sure they don’t contain xylitol.
For example, our dog loves it when we make frozen banana treats with Greek yogurt. We mash the bananas, combine it with yogurt and water and freeze them. It’s easy to make and our pup goes crazy for them!
