Water is life. But how can you encourage your dog to drink it?
Understanding Your Dog’s Drinking Habits
An ounce of fluid for every pound of body weight is a general rule of thumb. Watch out for signs of dehydration:
- Vomiting or nausea.
- Dry nose.
- Lethargy.
- Tight skin.
- Reduced appetite.
- Sunken eyes.
Factors influencing your dog’s water intake include access to clean water, dental problems, nausea, and neurological issues.
Tips to Encourage Your Dog to Drink More Water
- Offer fresh, clean water: ensure your dog can access fresh clean water and use ceramic or stainless steel bowls.
- Provide multiple water sources: Placing water in different places ensures your dog can access it anywhere.
- Incorporate wet food into your dog’s diet: Give wet food or add it to kibble.
- Add flavor to the water: Add fresh fruits, veggies, or chicken broth to your dog’s water.
- Add ice: The crunchiness and cooling sensation appeal to many dogs.
- Monitor water intake and adjust accordingly: Consult the vet if you notice any changes in your dog’s drinking habits.
- Elevated water bowls: They align the neck and throat making it easier for dogs to swallow water.
Hot weather exposes your dog to the risk of heatstroke. You can encourage it to take more water by keeping water bowls full, setting up multiple water bowls, providing cold water, and giving it frozen treats.
As your dog reaches its golden age, its demand for water increases. You can promote hydration in your senior dog using the tips below:
- Offer a balanced diet.
- Provide fresh water.
- Regularly visit the vet.
Though you may do your best to hydrate your dog, some dogs can be picky drinkers. Try these techniques for better water intake:
- Add a low-sodium broth to its water.
- Give it ice cubes.
Picky drinking could however signal an underlying health issue including dental problems and neurological disease. It is important to regularly visit the vet for proper assessment. The vet will also guide you on the amount of water to give your dog based on its age, weight, and size.
Avoiding overhydration
Giving too much water can cause overhydration which is commonly known as “water intoxication”. Watch out for overhydration signs:
- Poor coordination
- Lethargy
- Dilated pupils
- Pale gums
- Bloating
Proper hydration is key for a healthy dog. Giving your dog wet food, flavoring its water, using ice cubes, and using a water fountain are some of the key tips that will help you.