Dog not drinking water? Here’s what to do

It’s natural to be concerned if your dog isn’t drinking water, or drinking less than usual. After all, the last thing you want is for your dog to dehydrate. Here we look at why they might have stopped drinking water, and how you can help them to stay hydrated and healthy.

Another way to look after your dog’s health is with peace-of-mind dog insurance.

Why is hydration so important for dogs?

Just like us, dogs need to drink water regularly. It’s important for all sorts of bodily processes, such as blood circulation, digestion and getting rid of waste. Dehydration can cause major health issues in dogs, so it’s important to not to ignore it if they seem to be drinking less than usual, or not at all.

How much water should my dog be drinking?

Obviously this depends on a few things, such as their size, breed and how active they are. Another contributory factor is the temperature, linked to the time of year. Also their diet will have a bearing, as those with wet food diets will be getting more moisture from their food than those that eat dry food such as kibble.

But as a general rule, your dog should be drinking about 40 to 60ml of water per kilogram of weight on a daily basis. They should always have access to fresh, clean water. On hot days especially, you should make sure they’re drinking regularly.

Read our tips for keeping your pet cool during hot weather.

Why is my dog not drinking water?

There are a number of reasons why your dog may not be drinking their usual amount of water. Here are some of the potential causes.

Health issues

One of the more serious reasons why a dog may stop drinking water is an underlying health issue. There are several conditions which might make your dog feel nauseous, weak or otherwise disinterested in drinking, such as:

• Kidney disease
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Gastrointestinal problems

Note that while diabetes might cause your dog to drink less, it might also mean they’re drinking more water than usual.

Also, in some cases, dental problems such as gum disease or a painful tooth can make drinking uncomfortable.

Their environment

Dogs are sensitive to their surroundings. As such, changes in their environment can affect their drinking habits. Moving to a new home, loud noises or even a new water bowl can create enough stress to make a dog avoid drinking.

Plus the seasons will play a role. Dogs are likely to drink less during colder months, or while they’re being less physically active.

Behavioral and emotional causes

Anxiety, depression or stress can cause a loss of interest in food and water. If your dog has recently experienced a traumatic event, such as a separation, the loss of a companion or even a trip to the vet, they may withdraw and refuse to drink.

Also bear in mind that dogs are creatures of habit. Disruptions to their usual routine can also lead to changes in behaviour, which could sometimes account for drinking less.

Water quality

Like us, dogs can be picky about their water. If it’s stale, dirty or has an unusual smell, your dog may refuse to drink it. And who can blame them?

Some dogs may prefer cold water over room-temperature water. Or, like cats, they might prefer drinking running water – like from a pet fountain – rather than a bowl.

Aging

Older dogs often drink less water simply because they’re less active. If your senior dog is otherwise healthy, but you’ve noticed a gradual decline in water consumption, this might be a natural part of the aging process.

Of course, it’s still important to make sure they don’t dehydrate. But maybe you can expect them to drink a little less.

Find out more about typical health issues in older dogs.

What are the signs of dehydration in dogs?

Here are some of the typical symptoms to look out for:

• Lethargy or excessive sleepiness
• Dry gums and nose
• Sunken eyes
• Loss of skin elasticity
• Panting and dry mouth

If you suspect your dog is dehydrated, you should do something straight away. Severe dehydration can cause health issues, and might even be life-threatening.

If you think your dog is dehydrated, this is how to make your own fluid replacement.

How can I get my dog to drink more water?

Here are a few things to try to get your dog to drink more water generally:

• Change water frequently. As mentioned, you should always make sure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water. Clean their bowl regularly to remove any residue or bacteria.
• Use more bowls, and mix them up. It’s best to have more than one water bowl, and at least one per level of your house. If you have an older dog, make sure the bowls are accessible, such as in the rooms they spend most time in. Also, see if your dog has a preference for a certain type of bowl – such as stainless steel or ceramic.
• Use a pet fountain. Many dogs are more inclined to drink running water. Pet fountains keep the water circulating and fresh, although be sure to clean the fountain and replace its filters regularly.
• Flavour the water. You could try adding a small amount of low-sodium chicken or beef stock to the water. This can make it extra-delicious, enticing your dog to drink. Other alternatives could include dog-safe fruits such as blueberries, orange or cucumber.
• Wet their food. If your dog has dry food or kibble, you could try adding water to it to moisten it up.
• Take water with you on walks. Get your dog used to drinking while out on walks by taking some with you. Look into portable water bottles for dogs, such as those which double-up as ‘bowls’. These are especially useful on hot days, when your dog may be more prone to dehydration and heatstroke.

When should I see a vet?

If your dog hasn’t had any water for more than 24 hours or is showing signs of illness, it’s time to get in touch with your vet. They should be able to help identify the underlying cause, plus provide the appropriate treatment.

If you have an Agria Pet Insurance policy, you can get veterinary advice at any time through the Agria app.

See also:

• Choosing the right food for your dog
• Nutrition and diet guides for dogs
• What substances are toxic to dogs?