How to Get Your Dog to Drink More Water: A Complete Guide for Owners

Proper hydration plays a key role in your dog’s health. Water is essential for organ function, temperature regulation, and digestion. However, some dogs don’t drink enough water, which can lead to dehydration, kidney issues, and overheating.

If your pet isn't drinking as much as needed, don’t worry! This guide will help you recognize signs of dehydration, increase water intake, and choose the best solutions to keep your dog healthy.

How Much Water Should a Dog Drink?

🐶 General guideline: 60-80 ml of water per 1 kg of body weight per day.

Approximate daily water intake based on weight:

• 2-5 kg (4-11 lbs) → 120-400 ml
• 5-10 kg (11-22 lbs) → 300-800 ml
• 10-20 kg (22-44 lbs) → 600-1600 ml
• 20-30 kg (44-66 lbs) → 1200-2400 ml
• 30+ kg (66+ lbs) → 1800+ ml

👉 But water needs depend on several factors:
✔ Diet – dry food contains <10% moisture, while wet food has up to 80%.
✔ Activity level – active dogs need more water after walks or training.
✔ Temperature – dogs drink more water in hot weather.

If your dog isn't drinking enough, it’s important to take action to prevent dehydration.

How to Recognize Dehydration in Dogs?

🚨 Signs of dehydration:
❌ Lethargy and apathy – your dog is less active and tires easily.
❌ Dry gums and nose – mucous membranes appear sticky.
❌ Sunken eyes – a sign of severe dehydration.
❌ Loss of skin elasticity – gently pinch the skin on the back of the neck; if it returns slowly, your dog may be dehydrated.
❌ Heavy breathing and rapid heartbeat – especially after exercise.

💡 What to do?
✔ Offer fresh water immediately.
✔ Wet your dog's tongue and gums.
✔ If the condition doesn’t improve – consult a veterinarian!

Best Ways to Increase Your Dog’s Water Intake

If your dog isn’t drinking enough, try these effective tricks.

1️⃣ Place Multiple Water Bowls Around the House

📌 Ensure your dog has easy access to water at all times.
📌 Place several bowls around your home, especially in resting areas.
📌 Avoid placing water near food or the litter box – some dogs dislike this.

2️⃣ Choose the Right Water Bowl

Some dogs refuse to drink from uncomfortable bowls.

❌ Plastic bowls – can absorb odors and bacteria.
❌ Deep bowls – not suitable for flat-faced breeds.

✔ Best choice – a wide, shallow bowl made of stainless steel or ceramic.

3️⃣ Use Automatic Water Fountains

Many dogs prefer moving water because, in nature, stagnant water can be unsafe.

💧 Benefits of a water fountain:
✔ Keeps water fresh and filtered at all times.
✔ Attracts your dog with moving water.
✔ Prevents contamination by filtering out dirt and hair.

📌 If your dog doesn’t like drinking from a bowl, try a water fountain.

4️⃣ Add Flavor to Water

Some dogs ignore plain water but will drink flavored water.

✔ Low-sodium broth (chicken or beef).
✔ Water from canned tuna (natural, without salt).
✔ Ice cubes made with broth – a great summer option!

🚨 Important! Avoid salty, fatty, or spiced liquids.

5️⃣ Mix Water with Food

If your dog eats only dry food, try adding water or switching to wet food.

✔ Wet food contains up to 80% moisture, which helps with hydration.
✔ You can also soak dry kibble in a small amount of warm water.

🐾 This method is especially helpful for senior dogs and puppies.

6️⃣ Offer Hydrating Treats

Some foods contain a lot of moisture and can help increase daily water intake.

✅ Cucumbers – 96% water, safe for dogs.
✅ Watermelon – also beneficial but must be seedless.
✅ Canned dog food – helps support hydration.

🚨 Avoid grapes, onions, and avocados – they are toxic to dogs!

7️⃣ Adjust Water Temperature

✔ In summer, some dogs refuse warm water, so add ice cubes.
✔ In winter, offer slightly warmed water (not hot!).

How to Monitor Your Dog’s Water Intake?

📊 To ensure your dog drinks enough, you can use:
✔ Measuring bowls – to track daily water consumption.
✔ Smart water dispensers – with automatic water level indicators.
✔ A hydration journal – if your dog has health issues, track their water intake.

Final Tips for Preventing Dehydration

🐶 Keep multiple water bowls around the house – easy access leads to more drinking.
🐶 Use water fountains – they keep water fresh and encourage drinking.
🐶 Choose comfortable bowls – wide, made of stainless steel or ceramic.
🐶 Add flavor – broth or fish water can attract your dog.
🐶 Mix water with food – especially if your dog eats dry kibble.
🐶 Offer hydrating treats – fruits and wet food help with hydration.
🐶 Monitor your dog’s health – if they drink too little, consult a vet.

🐾 Take care of your furry friend—make sure they drink enough water!