Staying hydrated is one of the most fundamental factors in a dog’s immediate and long-term health, and sometimes our pets don’t drink enough water throughout the day.
An underlying health condition might be at fault, but other times we don’t offer water in a way that appeals to our dogs.
In either case, owners have some level of control over how much their pets consume, though the solutions aren’t always obvious. If you’re worried about your dog’s hydration, we’ll discuss 11 easy tips to use at home to get your dog to drink more water.
The 11 Tips to Get a Dog to Drink More Water
1. Make Water More Accessible
Keep water available where your dog can get it. As dogs age, they slow down and lose some of their mobility, making everyday tasks like eating and drinking more challenging.
By keeping multiple water bowls around the home where your dog can easily access them, they’ll have more chances to get a drink without much effort.
2. Add Water to Your Dog’s Food
Moistening kibble is one of the most straightforward ways to get your dog to drink more water. Mix water into your dog’s dry food at mealtime. As it keeps your dog hydrated, the softened kibble will also make the food more chewable, helping dogs with dental issues eat with less pain and greater ease.
3. Offered Filtered Water
There’s a reason many of us prefer filtered water, and it’s safe to assume some dogs feel the same. Activated charcoal and other media in water filters remove many VOCs, particulates, and other contaminants in municipal and well water supplies that may affect the odor and taste.
Since it’s one of the more convenient solutions, giving your dog fresh filtered water is worth a shot if you usually fill their bowl at the tap.
4. Add a Bit of Broth to the Bowl
A little bone or chicken broth goes a long way when getting your dog to eat their food or drink their water. Pick a low-sodium broth that does not have harmful added ingredients like onion or garlic, and add some to your dog’s water bowl. Giving a dog a flavorful reason to drink more often takes less than a teaspoon.
The most dog-friendly broth is homemade, allowing you to control the ingredients. You can freeze the broth into ice cubes so you have a ready supply for future use.
5. Switch to Wet Food
The solution to a dog’s drinking habits may not be in the water dish but in the food bowl. If your dog is on a dry dog food diet, consider supplementing or swapping it with wet food which has around 70%–80% moisture.
6. Change the Water More Often
Fresh, cold water is unsurprisingly preferable for dogs, so you may have to consider your feeding routine. Are you leaving your dog’s water to sit too long and become lukewarm and stagnant?
You should swap your dog’s water at least once daily, but you may want to increase that to twice daily to ensure it’s always appetizing.
7. Clean the Bowl Daily
The bowl itself will affect the palatability of the water it contains. Bacteria, dirt, and other contaminants can quickly accrue, adding undesirable smells and tastes to the water.
Give your dog’s bowl a quick daily cleaning with soap and water to ensure the water stays as fresh as possible.
8. Offer Ice Cubes
If your dog likes to chew, you can turn this fun activity into a chance to stay hydrated! You can provide ice cubes for your dog to chew and eat, you can also add them to the water bowl to chill the water and make it more appealing.
9. Use Water From Tuna Cans
Tuna fish sandwich fans can get more value from each can if their dog needs help to drink more water. A small amount of tuna juice from canned tuna packed in water can serve as a great occasional option to add flavor to your dog’s bowl and encourage hydration.
When heading out with your dog, make sure to have a travel water bowl or bottle handy to prevent dehydration, especially during long walks or on hot days.
If your dog is hesitant to drink from a regular water bowl, consider switching to a pet water fountain. The circulating water stays cleaner, tastier, and fresher for longer, which may attract your dog to drink more.
Monitoring your dog’s water intake is important, as it can vary based on factors like breed, size, climate, activity level, health status, and diet. While dogs are typically good at regulating their own water intake, it’s essential to watch for signs of dehydration, such as lethargy, dry gums, loss of appetite, and thick saliva.
In conclusion, ensuring your dog has access to fresh water and addressing any reluctance to drink can help maintain their hydration levels and overall health. By following these simple tips and tricks, you can keep your furry friend happy and hydrated.
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