How to Make a Dog Drink Water

Hydration is key for a dog’s good health, but sometimes it can be hard to get your pooch to lap down as much water as they need. Dogs may refuse water if they’re sick, recovering, or are just plain stubborn.

Usually, dogs won’t drink water because of a health issue, but not doing so can further their problems or develop new ones as dehydration is a severe concern. If your dog has drastically changed their water intake in the past 24-48 hours, whether it’s higher or lower than normal, contact your vet as this may be an indicator of an underlying health issue.

But if you already know why your dog is refusing their water, this will help you develop a strategy to entice them to hydrate. Start out by offering small amounts of water and then increase the quantity of water once they seem more comfortable. Remember, if your dog is already dehydrated, and they drink too much water too fast, then they may throw it up and defeat the purpose of hydrating.

Common Reasons For Dehydration

Dogs can have a few reasons why they’re refusing to drink water, but the most common reasons are:

• Aging
• Illness/Disease/Virus
• Unfamiliar Situations/Surroundings
• Inactivity/Lethargy

It’s important to check for warning signs of dehydration if you suspect something may be up with your pup.

• Skin pinching- Skin elasticity can be a sign of dehydration.
• Check gums- Gums that aren’t pink can be a telling sign of lack of hydration.
• Darker urine or lack of urine- Just like humans, urine can indicate how hydrated a dog is.

Tips For A Dehydrated Dog

Dogs should be drinking about an ounce of water per pound of their body weight, daily. So how can you help achieve this if your dog has been refusing water often?

Rehydrating With Pedialyte

If you’ve ever been sick and been dehydrated, you’ve probably taken Pedialyte. But, did you know dogs can also use it to help replenish their electrolytes? You should always consult your vet before giving any new fluids to your dog, but Pedialyte can be an extremely effective tool when getting your dog rehydrated, safely!

How To: Mix a ratio of 1:1 (Pedialyte and water) to a bowl. Give your pup a cup of the mixture every 30-60 minutes.

If your dog refuses the mixture, try using a food syringe to squirt it in their mouth. Continue checking their symptoms and keeping an eye on their urine to monitor rehydration.

Incorporating Fluids To Increase Water Intake

Broth

A few tablespoons of a low-sodium chicken or beef broth added to your dog’s water bowl should entice them to drink down the water as they are intrigued by the taste and smell of the broth.

Wet Food

Wet foods can be an easy add-in to get your dog to have more moisture in their diet.

Water Fountain

Dogs may be turned off from drinking still water from a bowl. Water fountains for dogs help keep water fresh and are a more exciting way to hydrate.

Praise

Your dog may need some positive reinforcement to get the job done. Try giving them a treat every time they drink a bowl as a way to encourage good behavior.