How to Get Your Dog to Drink Water: Tips and Solutions

Introduction

Dogs require plenty of water to stay healthy and hydrated. But sometimes dogs don’t drink enough water on their own. If you’re having trouble getting your dog to drink enough water, there are many strategies and solutions you can try. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best tips and solutions for encouraging your dog to drink more water.

Use a Pet Water Fountain

Pet water fountains offer a few advantages that regular water bowls don’t. For one, they keep the water circulating, which helps to keep it clean and oxygenated. This makes the water taste better and more appealing to your pup. Additionally, the sound of running water may entice your dog to drink more than they usually would.

Benefits of Using a Pet Water Fountain

According to a 2020 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, pet fountains can be beneficial for dogs who are reluctant to drink water. The study found that water fountains may help to encourage dogs to drink more, as well as increase the amount of time they spend drinking. The authors concluded that “water fountains may be beneficial for dogs who do not drink sufficient amounts of water.”

Types of Pet Water Fountains

There are several types of pet water fountains available, including electric and gravity-fed models. Electric pet fountains typically have a larger capacity, while gravity-fed models are smaller and easier to move around. Consider which type of fountain would work best for your pup’s needs before purchasing one.

Add Flavoring Agents to the Water

Adding flavoring agents to your pup’s water can make it more enticing and enjoyable to drink. There are several types of flavoring agents you can use, such as chicken broth, beef broth, and low-sodium vegetable broth. You can also add a pinch of salt or sugar to the water.

Benefits of Adding Flavoring Agents to the Water

Flavoring agents can make water more appealing to your pup, which can help to increase their water intake. Additionally, adding broth to your pup’s water can provide them with additional nutrients and electrolytes. However, it’s important to avoid adding too much flavoring agent, as this can lead to dehydration.

Types of Flavoring Agents to Consider

When adding flavoring agents to your pup’s water, it’s important to choose ones that are safe for them. Chicken, beef, and low-sodium vegetable broth are all good options. You can also add a pinch of salt or sugar to the water, but be sure to keep an eye on your pup’s sodium and sugar intake. Additionally, avoid adding any artificial sweeteners, as these can be toxic to dogs.

Offer Ice Cubes

Offering your pup ice cubes is another great way to encourage them to drink more water. Not only will they enjoy the cool temperature, but they’ll also get the benefit of extra hydration.

Benefits of Offering Ice Cubes

Ice cubes are a great way to help your pup stay cool and hydrated during hot summer months. They can also be a fun way to encourage your pup to drink more water. Plus, the crunchy texture of the ice cubes can help to clean your pup’s teeth and gums.

Types of Ice Cubes to Consider

When offering your pup ice cubes, it’s important to choose ones that are safe for them. Avoid using flavored ice cubes, as these could contain ingredients that are dangerous for your pup. Instead, opt for plain ice cubes made from filtered water.

Change Bowls or Move the Bowl

Changing or moving the location of your pup’s water bowl can also help to encourage them to drink more. Moving the bowl to a different spot in your home can help to stimulate your pup’s interest in the water.

Benefits of Changing or Moving the Bowl

Moving the water bowl to a new spot in your home can help to pique your pup’s interest and make them more likely to drink from it. Additionally, changing the bowl itself can help to reduce bacteria buildup and provide a new and interesting texture for your pup to explore.

Types of Bowls to Consider

When selecting a new bowl for your pup, consider their size and preferences. Plastic and stainless steel bowls are both popular options. Additionally, some bowls come with features such as non-skid bottoms, raised edges, and spouts that make it easier for your pup to drink.

Introduce Playtime with Water

Introducing playtime with water can be a fun and effective way to get your pup to drink more. This can include activities such as fetching water toys from a pool or playing games in the sprinklers.

Benefits of Introducing Playtime with Water

Playing with water can help to make drinking water more enjoyable for your pup. It can also help to reduce boredom and stimulate their minds. Additionally, playing with water can help to keep your pup cool in the summer heat.

Ideas for Incorporating Playtime with Water

There are many ways to incorporate playtime with water. You can fill a kiddie pool with water and let your pup fetch their favorite water toy. Or, you can set up a sprinkler and let them run through it. Other ideas include playing hide-and-seek with water toys or filling a shallow dish with water and letting them paw at it.

Make Sure the Water is Fresh

Making sure the water in your pup’s bowl is always fresh is essential for encouraging them to drink more. Stale or dirty water can be unappealing and even discourage your pup from drinking.

Benefits of Making Sure the Water is Fresh

Keeping your pup’s water fresh can help to ensure they’re getting enough to drink. Additionally, fresh water is more appealing and tastes better than stale or dirty water. This can help to encourage your pup to drink more.

Ways to Ensure You Have Fresh Water

To make sure your pup always has access to fresh water, clean their water bowl regularly. You should also change the water in the bowl daily, or multiple times a day if needed. Additionally, consider investing in a pet fountain, as these can help to keep the water circulating and oxygenated.

Take Your Dog for Walks in Nature

Taking your pup for walks in nature can also help to encourage them to drink more water. Exploring natural environments can provide your pup with new sights and smells, which can help to stimulate their curiosity and make drinking water more enjoyable.

Benefits of Taking Your Dog for Walks in Nature

Walks in nature can help to reduce stress and provide your pup with mental stimulation. Additionally, exploring natural environments can help to stimulate your pup’s thirst and make them more likely to drink from their water bowl when they return home. According to a 2017 study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, “walks in nature may promote increased water consumption in dogs.”

Tips for Taking Your Dog for Walks in Nature

When taking your pup for walks in nature, be sure to bring along plenty of water and a travel bowl. Additionally, check the temperature and humidity levels before heading out to make sure your pup won’t overheat. Finally, be sure to keep an eye on your pup and watch for signs of overheating or dehydration.

Conclusion

Getting your pup to drink enough water can be challenging, but there are many strategies and solutions you can try. Some of the best tips include using a pet fountain, adding flavoring agents to the water, offering ice cubes, changing or moving the bowl, introducing playtime with water, making sure the water is fresh, and taking your pup for walks in nature. With a bit of patience and effort, you can help your pup stay properly hydrated and healthy.

Summary of Solutions

In this article, we explored some of the best tips and solutions for encouraging your pup to drink more water. These included using a pet fountain, adding flavoring agents to the water, offering ice cubes, changing or moving the bowl, introducing playtime with water, making sure the water is fresh, and taking your pup for walks in nature.

Final Thoughts

Drinking enough water is essential for keeping your pup healthy and hydrated. If your pup isn’t drinking enough on their own, there are many strategies and solutions you can try. With a bit of patience and effort, you can help your pup stay properly hydrated and healthy.