Creative Hacks to Get Your Dog to Drink More Water
Does your dog sometimes ignore their water bowl? Maybe they're panting after a good run but still won't drink. Staying hydrated is super important for dogs – it helps with everything from digestion to keeping their kidneys healthy. But lots of dogs just don't drink enough. Here are some easy ways to encourage your dog to drink more!
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Why Isn't Your Dog Drinking? Understanding Thirst
Every dog is different, and how much water they need depends on a variety of circumstances.
Activity Level and Size Are Important
How much exercise your dog gets makes a tremendous amount of difference. A Border Collie that's exercising all day is going to require more water than a Shih Tzu that likes to hang out. Size also plays a factor – bigger dogs need more water than smaller dogs, even though the smaller dogs may be drinking more often.
Diet's Huge Impact on Thirst
What your dog is consuming affects how much it's drinking. Dogs fed a mainly dry food diet need to drink more water than dogs fed wet food, which has a higher water content. Dry kibble can contain up to 10% moisture, while wet food can have as much as 75% water content.
Age Plays a Role Too
Your dog's age is also a factor. Puppies are still growing and active, so they will require more drinking. Older dogs might not drink as much since they are not as active anymore, or they might drink more if they have health problems.
Weather and Clothing: Factors to Consider
The weather outside is also important. Hot, humid days mean a dog will need a lot more water. In the summer, a dog might need twice as much water as in the winter!
What a dog wears is also important. In hot weather, light clothing like t-shirts can help keep the dog cool and protect skin from the sun. Dogs with thin fur or light skin need sun protection to avoid overheating, which leads to the need for more water. Proper clothing choices are essential for preventing overheating and sunburn in dogs.
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On the flip side, too much heavy clothing indoors during cold weather can cause a dog to overheat and get thirsty. Always dress the dog for the temperature they're experiencing.
So, we've covered why a dog might be thirsty. But what if you're doing everything right, and your furry friend still isn't drinking enough? Sometimes, you need to get a little creative. Here's a fun hack to get those tails wagging and those tongues lapping!
Hack #1: Flavor Frenzy – Make Water a Treat!
Is plain water kinda blah for your dog? No problem! Adding some dog-friendly flavors can turn boring water into something they'll actually enjoy gulping down.
Bone Broth Boost:
Unseasoned bone broth is a total win for those picky drinkers. You can even whip up your own by simmering beef or chicken bones for a few hours. Just make sure you skim off any fat and never add onions, garlic, or salt – those are a no-go for pups. A tablespoon or two mixed into the water gives it a yummy flavor without piling on the calories.
Tuna Temptation:
The water from canned tuna (the kind packed in water, not oil) is another awesome trick. Most dogs go nuts for that strong, fishy smell! Just be sure to mix it well – a little goes a long way. Aim for one part tuna water to ten parts fresh water; that's plenty of flavor without too much salt.
Milk Magic (Lactose-Free):
Now and then, you can try a tiny splash of lactose-free milk. A lot of dogs dig the taste, but go easy on it because some can still be a bit sensitive. Start with just a teaspoon mixed into a whole bowl of water.
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Safety First!
Remember these things before you start adding flavorings:
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Always Offer Plain Water: Always have a side bowl of plain, fresh water available in case your dog doesn't like the flavored type.
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Keep it Fresh: Change the flavored water often (every 4-6 hours) so there is no bacterial growth. No one likes a dirty water bowl!
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Introduce Slowly: Introduce new flavors slowly and watch for any upset stomach. If your dog acts strangely, stop using that flavor.
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No-No List: Don't use anything with xylitol, chocolate, caffeine, or too much salt. These are downright awful for dogs.
Hack #2: Ice, Ice, Puppy! The Frozen Fun Factor
A lot of dogs really love ice! There's something about the cold crunch and the way it moves in the water that makes drinking fun.
Start easy – just drop a few ice cubes into your dog's water bowl. Watch how they check out these weird, floating things, often batting at them with their paws before happily crunching on them. The different texture and temperature can get even picky dogs to drink.
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You can also make flavored ice cubes that are both a treat and a way to get your dog to drink more. Freeze diluted chicken broth in ice cube trays for a savory option. Or, for a fruity treat, blend dog-safe fruits like watermelon (without seeds) or blueberries with water before freezing.
A great summer pupsicle is to blend one cup of seedless watermelon with half a cup of water and freeze it in small portions. The natural sweetness will have dogs going crazy while they get hydrated!
If you have a smaller dog, use mini ice cube trays to make smaller frozen treats that they can easily handle. Always watch your dog while they enjoy these frozen treats, especially the first few times.
Hack #3: Location, Location, Bowl-cation!
Where you put that water bowl can totally affect whether your dog drinks enough. It's all about finding the right spot for your furry buddy.
The Great Water Bowl Migration:
Many dogs have strong opinions about where they prefer to hydrate. Some like quiet corners, away from the hustle and bustle of people walking around. Others prefer being right in the thick of things, close to the family. Try experimenting with water bowl placement to see what your dog digs the most. Maybe they're a living room sipper or a bedroom gulper!
Multiple Bowls = Hydration Win:
Think about setting up multiple water stations around the house and yard. Stash one near their bed for those late-night thirsts, another in the kitchen (the heart of the home!), and one outside when the weather's cooperating. This way, they always have water within easy reach, no matter where they are.
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Material Matters: Bowl Edition:
What the bowl is made of makes a difference, too.
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Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is usually the cleanest option and doesn't hang onto weird smells.
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Ceramic Chill: Ceramic bowls can stay cooler, which is a big plus for some dogs, especially on hot days.
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Plastic Problems: Plastic bowls are cheap, but they can develop tiny scratches that harbor bacteria and sometimes give off funky flavors that dogs aren't fans of.
Shape Up Your Bowl:
The shape of the bowl also plays a role. Wide, shallow bowls are usually the most comfy for most dogs, while deeper bowls can be a challenge for flat-faced breeds (like Pugs or Bulldogs). Some dogs, especially senior pups or those with a touch of arthritis, do better with slightly raised bowls. This takes some strain off their neck and makes drinking easier.
Hack #4: Timing is Everything! The Power of Routine
Dogs love routines, and you can get them to drink more water by offering it at certain times.
Try to offer water at predictable times throughout the day:
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First thing in the morning, when they're naturally a little dehydrated.
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Right after walks or playtime, when they're likely to be thirsty.
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About 20 minutes before they eat, to help with digestion.
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Shortly before bedtime (but not too close if you're still potty training them).
Make drinking a good thing by praising your dog when they drink. A happy "Good boy!" or a quick ear scratch will make them associate drinking with something positive.
If your dog really doesn't like to drink, try saying something like "water time" before you put down the fresh water. Over time, they'll learn that this means they're supposed to drink.
Hack #5: Hydration Games! Making Drinking Fun
Who says drinking has to be boring? You can make it fun!
Try the "bobbing treat" game. Put a small dog treat that floats in the water bowl. When your dog tries to get the treat, they'll end up drinking water too. Small pieces of apple work well for this.
If your dog is active, try "chase the water" using a squeeze bottle outside. Squirt small streams of water in different directions and let your dog chase and try to catch them. They'll drink a lot of water while having fun!
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Make a water "treasure hunt" by putting several water bowls around your house or yard. Put something a little different in each bowl, like plain water, ice cubes, or a tiny bit of flavor. Let your dog find each bowl on their own.
Just remember to watch your dog during these water games, especially when they're playing with toys or treats.
Quench Your Pup's Thirst Today!
Proper hydration is really important for your dog's health. By trying these creative tips – flavoring their water, giving them ice, putting bowls in better spots, setting up routines, and making drinking fun – you can help your dog stay hydrated. Pick one idea and try it today! You might be surprised at how quickly your dog starts to enjoy drinking water.
