How to Get your dog to drink more water

Dogs need to drink water, just like us humans. It's said that they should consume 2.5 times the amount of water, compared to food they consume. A dehydrated dog is not a good thing. It's important to help promote dog health. Our pets are like family, and they need to be taken care of. They can't speak to us, and tell us when there's a problem. You also can't tell them they need to drink more water, and they'll listen like people. So you have to take more control.

If you have a dehydrated dog, that's different. If you're just trying to get your dog to drink more water, than that is an easier task to complete. A sick dog, will tend to not drink water at times. If they're vomiting, then they either have an injury or illness. Obviously you'll need to take them to the vet if that is the case. However, if they're just not drinking enough water then there are methods in which you can help. If you think you're dog is dehydrated, there's a way you can find out yourself. Take your finger, press it against their gums. If their gums turn white for a second when you do this, then they're not dehydrated. If it doesn't then they are. The gums will tend to be quite dry.

Instructions

1

Get your dog to exercise and be more active. There's a difference between not drinking water, or not drinking enough. Lack of activity in your dog can be a reason why they're not drinking more water. Take your dog on walks daily. Get them to be more active. Just like humans, when they burn energy they get thirsty. Always leave water in your dogs dish as well. Dogs should never be deprived of water, unless your vet has told you so for a specific reason. Some dogs need more water than others.

2

Bad dog diet. Did you just recently change your dog's diet? A bad diet can be causing your dog not to drink as much water. Your dog's diet just might not be agreeing with their digestive system. It might be upsetting their stomach. Did you change your dogs food the right way? If you didn't do it gradually, then they're probably sick. If you did, then they might have food allergies. Contact your vet. They'll probably make you feed them a bland food, like chicken and rice. To help their digestive system. Then go back to the old food. Contact your vet, a dog's digestive system is quite sensitive. Yogurt is helpful in settling their stomach as well. Try adding some plain, non-fat yogurt to their dinner.

3

Sometimes dogs just forget to drink water. I know it sounds strange, but they can. If you sometimes remind them, by maybe putting their dish somewhere they walk by. Usually they'll start to drink the water when they see it. Sometimes they might not be thirsty. Usually after they eat a meal, or treat, a lot of times they'll be thirsty. They just tend to forget to drink it. You can also put some water in your hand, or try giving them an ice cube. Help remind them there's water in their dish.

4

Are they eating food? If they're not eating at all, they're either sick or injured. They still could be sick, even if they are eating. If your dog is vomiting, or has loose stool, then take them to the vet. If they're eating, you can try adding a little piece of bread or meat to their water dish. That might force them to drink the water. Also, if they're on any medication, discuss this with your vet. Maybe the meds they're taking are causing side effects.