How to Get My Dog to Drink More Water?

When your furry friend is showing loss of appetite, sluggish behavior, dry mouth, or excessive panting, it can be because of dehydration. The symptoms of a dehydrated dog can vary depending on the dog’s age and breed, but the dilemma is serious. So, what’s the solution?

The most natural remedy is to encourage your dog to drink more fluids, mainly water. Nonetheless, sometimes the answer isn’t as simple as that. But don’t worry, up next we have compiled steps through which you can get your dog to gulp down more water than before; from a dog water fountain to operant condition, you can do a lot for your best friend!

Accessible Water Source

Having an easy-to-access water utensil can make all the difference in encouraging your dog to drink more water. This is because, if the dog has direct access to water, it can drink it as soon as it gets thirsty. On the contrary, if you keep searching for a bowl when it’s thirsty you face a risk of getting the pup distracted by something else. 

So, make sure that whatever water source you have can be easily reached and located by the dog. For instance, you could install a dog water fountain that is available almost 24/7.

Adequate Training 

Just like with kids, dogs also need to be taught how to do certain things, which is why it’s essential to train them as soon as possible. When you first start training it to drink from a bowl, make sure that you are consistent. If you only offer water occasionally to your dog, you are associating drinking with something other than thirst such as stress or anxiety. This is especially true if you do not allow it to drink any water until you are free. 

A great alternative is to train your pup from the moment you get your hand on it to drink the right amount of water required for its body.

Wet Foods

If your dog isn’t intaking large amounts of water you can add water to its food. To do so, simply soak its dog food in water until it’s completely absorbed and serve it to your dog. Additionally, you can also mix tuna or meat broth in some water and encourage your dog to take in such liquids.

Reward-Based Learning

Dogs are also prone to learning faster with an incentive in the picture. So, in addition to training, make sure that you reward your dog when it drinks. Some dogs are motivated to drink simply because they want to eat their treats! 

Keep in mind that treats aren’t necessary; if you feel like giving them some attention, that can certainly work too. For example, I often give my dogs a treat right before I let them out of their kennel at night, and they love it. You can do the same when they finish their water bowl. 

Forceless Transition

While getting your pup the water it needs is well-intended, it can have a negative effect if you pressurize or force them. Remember that you don’t need to force your dog to drink. If it seems hesitant, slow down the process. As long as your pup eventually gets thirsty enough to drink, you don’t need to go very harsh on the training, nor approach other remedies. 

Wrapping It Up

We all understand how frustrating and stressful it can be when your dog starts to get sick, even if it’s just a little. However, better steps, such as multiple water bowls, access to fresh water, operant conditioning, and more, can help in bringing it back on track without you having to take bolder steps like intravenous hydration. So, just trust the process and good luck!