Dog Not Drinking Water? How to Get Your Dog to Drink More
Some dogs empty the bowl in seconds. Others barely glance at it. If yours is a reluctant drinker, here are nine simple ways to encourage them.
In this guide
Some dogs treat their water bowl like a competitive sport. Others walk past it as if it’s beneath them.
If you’ve got one of the second kind, you’ll know the low-level worry. Are they drinking enough? Should you be doing something?
How much water does a dog need?
A common rule of thumb is around one ounce of water per pound of body weight per day, which works out at roughly 60ml per kilogram. So a 10kg dog might drink around 600ml a day.
Roughly how much water your dog needs a day
That’s only a guide. Dogs drink more in hot weather, after exercise, and if they eat mainly dry food. Dogs on wet food get some of their water from their meals and may drink less from the bowl. Never restrict your dog’s water.
Nine ways to encourage your dog to drink
- Keep it fresh. Change the water at least once a day and wash the bowl regularly. Dogs notice stale water and slimy bowls.
- Add more bowls. Put water in a few places around the house and garden.
- Try a different bowl. Some dogs dislike plastic, or the noise of their tags against metal. Ceramic or glass can help.
- Try a fountain. Some dogs prefer moving water.
- Take water on walks. A travel bottle with a built-in bowl makes it easy to offer a drink.
- Add water to food. Pour a little warm water over dry food.
- Add flavour. A splash of pet-safe broth in the water or over food can make all the difference to a fussy drinker.
- Offer frozen treats. Broth ice cubes are a fun way to add liquid on a warm day.
- Make it routine. Offer water after walks, play and meals.
The flavour trick
Ask yourself: would you drink more water if it tasted of something? Many dogs are the same. Our pet broths can be stirred straight into water or made up as a broth: mix one tablespoon with 100ml of hot water, let it cool, and serve alongside their usual fresh water.
Our pet range actually began this way. Our dog Bella became very poorly as a puppy and wouldn’t drink. Finding something gentle and tempting is how our pet broths started. Bella is very well now.
When to see a vet
Call your vet if your dog:
- Stops drinking for a day or more
- Suddenly starts drinking much more or much less than usual
- Shows signs of dehydration, such as dry or sticky gums, sunken eyes or skin that’s slow to spring back when gently pinched
- Is vomiting, has diarrhoea or seems lethargic
Changes in drinking can be a sign of an underlying problem, so it’s always worth getting checked.
If your pet is very young, elderly, on medication, has a health condition or follows a special diet, check with your vet before adding anything new to their bowl.
Questions people ask
Is it normal for a dog not to drink much water?
Some dogs naturally drink less, particularly on wet food. A sudden change in drinking, or signs of dehydration, needs a vet check.
Can I flavour my dog’s water?
Yes, with a pet-safe broth. Avoid human stock, which often contains onion, garlic and salt. Always keep plain fresh water available too.
How can I tell if my dog is dehydrated?
Signs include dry or sticky gums, sunken eyes, a dry nose and skin that’s slow to return when gently pinched. Contact your vet if you’re worried.
A splash of something tempting
Pets Chicken Broth + Prebiotic is our go-to for reluctant drinkers. Each pouch contains just two ingredients: bone broth and chicory root fibre, a natural prebiotic. That’s it. No onion, no garlic, no artificial ingredients. Pets Beef Broth + Prebiotic is available while stocks last.
Related Reading
- Bone broth for dogs: is it safe, and how much should you give?
- Homemade frozen dog treats: eight easy ideas
- Pupsicles (The Broth Kitchen)
Sources & Further Reading
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