Why won’t my dog drink water?

When your dog stops eating and drinking, it sets off alarm bells: "Is something wrong... is it an emergency... how can I fix it?"

There are so many reasons dogs stop eating and drinking, but fewer reasons why they’re eating but not drinking.

Luckily, a dog who still has a good appetite and but isn't drinking water is unlikely to be ill as most health conditions actually increase water intake. Here we discuss reasons a dog who is eating normally might not be drinking water.

How much water should my dog be drinking?

As usual, it depends. The amount of water a dog needs to drink in a day depends on their size, age, activity level, and type of food. Some things to keep in mind:

• Depending on the size of your dog, they will need between 125ml (e.g. Chihuahuas) and 3,000ml (e.g. Great Danes) of water a day.

• Canned or fresh food has a high moisture content and may satisfy most of your dog's thirst.

• Very active dogs or those who spend time in warm or hot weather need more water, while inactive dogs may need less. Puppies generally drink more than adult dogs.

What's preventing my dog from drinking?

Several things may cause your dog to drink less water. These include:

• Cooler weather

• Decreased activity

• Dirty bowl

• Other water sources are available e.g. puddles, troughs or ponds

• Canned or wet food

• Behavioural issues

• Other pets, location or type of bowl

• Anxiety

• Mouth or throat pain

• Pain while standing or walking

Cooler weather and less activity may mean your dog needs less water. Canned and fresh dog food have a much higher water content than dry food and may satisfy much of your dog's daily water needs.

Plus, while it can seem gross, many dogs prefer to drink from something other than the bowl, whether for taste or behaviour reasons or even just convenience, and it can be a difficult habit to break.

So even though you might be thirsty after swimming with your dog, they easily could have swallowed plenty of water for the day and won't have a drink after. However, it’s always best to still offer your pet a drink, especially if they have been swimming in salty sea water.

While some dogs like pond or pool-flavoured water, others are particular about their water source and may choose not to drink from a bowl that they think is dirty or has an odd taste.

For example, many dogs will avoid water with additives such as dental health supplements. Or a new water filter in the home might require adjustment for your dog to drink from.

Other dogs refuse to drink water because the water bowl is in a place that is difficult to access or is scary such as the laundry room when the washing machine is running.

Occasionally, one pet in the house will guard the bowl so that other pets can't drink. If that's the situation, adding more water bowls throughout your home will manage the issue while you call your veterinarian to discuss your other pet's behaviour problem.

Behaviour concerns can also be the cause of a dog who isn't drinking. For example, an anxious dog may be unwilling to drink during storms or in unfamiliar places.

Medical reasons for your dog not drinking

Illness or injury

The medical reasons that a dog will not drink water but will eat food are limited. The first is pain. Joint or muscle pain can make those extra trips to the water bowl difficult, so a dog only drinks when he is already at the food bowl to eat. Pain in the mouth or throat is also likely to cause an unwillingness to eat or drink.

If your dog won't drink water and won't eat, it's much more likely to be a medical issue, and a veterinarian should see your dog.

Medication side effects

Some medications may cause your dog to lose interest in drinking water due to side effects such as nausea, gastrointestinal upset, or changes in taste perception.

It's essential to monitor your dog's water intake when starting a new medication and consult your veterinarian if you notice any changes in behaviour or hydration status.

Adjustments to the medication dosage or alternative treatment options may be necessary to address this issue and ensure your dog stays adequately hydrated.

Dental issues

While uncommon, pain or discomfort associated with dental problems can make it uncomfortable for dogs to drink water. Dental issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, or oral infections can lead to reluctance or difficulty in drinking.

Additionally, dogs with severe dental issues may experience bleeding gums or mouth sensitivity, further discouraging them from drinking water.

Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings can help prevent and address dental problems.

If you suspect your dog is avoiding water due to dental issues, consult your veterinarian for a thorough examination and appropriate treatment.

Signs of dehydration in dogs

Unless there is an underlying health problem, like kidney disease, dogs with access to clean, fresh water are unlikely to let themselves become dehydrated. But dehydration in dogs is a serious health concern, so pet parents need to know the signs.

These include:

• Dry or sticky mouth and gums

• Thick saliva

• Sunken eyes

• Reduced energy

• Increased skin tenting

To test if your dog is dehydrated, try skin tenting. Gently pull up the skin between your dog's shoulder blades and see how long it takes to return to normal. A hydrated dog's skin will immediately slide back into place, whereas a dehydrated dog's skin will remain raised (tented) or slowly go back into place.

One important caveat: different dog breeds have various skin types, so a skin tenting test is only useful if you know your dog's typical skin elasticity.

Dehydration can lead to many health problems, including digestive issues, constipation, impaired kidney function, and generally not feeling well.

Dehydration is different from heat sickness (heat stroke or heat exhaustion).

Heatstroke in dogs

Heatstroke in dogs results from a dog becoming too warm. Not drinking enough water could also contribute, usually due to lack of access. If you think your dog is suffering from heatstroke, call your veterinarian immediately as this is always a medical emergency.

While seeking care, move them to a cool area, ideally with a breeze or an electric fan, and gently soak their fur with cool water. As the water evaporates it will help to reduce your dog’s temperature. Never cover your dog with wet towels. These towels can quickly warm up and actually stop further body heat from escaping, preventing your dog from being able to cool down.

The most common signs of heatstroke are:

• Excessive panting

• Drooling (hypersalivation)

• Increased heart rate

• Confusion or disorientation

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Bright red gums

• Dry nose

• Warm to the touch

• Collapse

• Seizure

• Coma

How to keep your dog hydrated when not drinking

1. Offer water frequently: Encourage your dog to drink water by providing fresh water in clean bowls throughout the day.

2. Add flavour to water: Some dogs may be enticed to drink more if you add a small amount of low-sodium chicken broth or the spring water from canned tuna to their water bowl (avoid brine water).

3. Use ice cubes or ice chips: Some dogs enjoy licking ice cubes or chewing on ice chips, which can help keep them hydrated.

4. Offer wet food: Wet dog food contains a high moisture content, which can help increase your dog's overall fluid intake.

5. Provide electrolyte solutions: Offer electrolyte solutions specially formulated for dogs to help replenish lost fluids and electrolytes.

6. Monitor closely: Keep an eye on your dog's hydration status and watch for signs of dehydration, such as dry gums, lethargy, or sunken eyes. If you're concerned, contact your veterinarian for guidance.

How to find the right water bowl

The right dog bowl is the one your pet drinks out of. The size depends on how many pets are drinking out of it and how big they each are. You should refill their bowl every few hours and change it daily, cleaning the bowl in the process.

Sometimes dogs are particular about their dog bowl, and that might be why they don't drink. Dogs may prefer one type of material over another so you might need to experiment.  Lightweight plastic may also move around or be easily tipped which could be off putting compared to heavy ceramic ones.

Dishwasher-safe bowls are the best choice.

Bowls can make noise as your dog drinks, and that can be scary to some of them. Place the bowl on a non-slip surface, such as a mat or towel. You may need to remove your pet's collar or tie back any tags so that they do not rattle with the bowl.

Older dogs or those with any neck pain will benefit from elevated bowls. Also, consider that as a dog ages, their eyesight diminishes, and it may be easier to judge the water level in some types of bowls or under certain lighting conditions.

You can also make it easier for your dog to access water with at least one bowl per level in the home. Don't put bowls near loud appliances or in areas that block your dog’s access. The right location for the bowls is just as important as the type of bowl.

Preventive measures to make sure your dog is hydrated

Providing a balanced diet

If you are concerned about your dog’s water intake  then offer wet food or incorporate water-rich fruits and vegetables. Balanced nutrition supports overall health and hydration.

Regular exercise and mental stimulation

Encourage physical activity and mental enrichment to stimulate thirst and promote water intake. Regular exercise keeps your dog active and encourages them to drink water to replenish lost fluids.

Routine veterinary check-ups

Schedule regular veterinary visits to monitor your dog's health and address any underlying medical issues that could affect hydration. Your veterinarian can provide guidance on maintaining optimal hydration levels based on your dog's individual needs.

Environmental enrichment

Create a stimulating environment with access to clean water sources and interactive toys or puzzles. Mental stimulation encourages your dog to engage in natural behaviours and may increase their interest in drinking water.

Monitoring water intake

Keep track of how much water your dog drinks daily and observe any changes in drinking habits. Monitoring water intake helps detect early signs of dehydration or underlying health issues that may affect hydration levels.

If you notice any changes in your dog's drinking habits or signs of dehydration, it's crucial to seek veterinary advice. Your veterinarian can perform a thorough examination, diagnose any underlying issues, and recommend appropriate treatment options.

However, remember that if your dog is otherwise bright and eating well, chances are they are just not feeling that thirsty at the moment! As long as they always have easy access to fresh drinking water, most dogs will be able to self-regulate just fine. 

Stay prepared with dog insurance

Consider investing in dog insurance to help cover veterinary expenses, including treatment for dehydration or related health issues.

Dog insurance provides financial peace of mind and makes sure your pet receives the care they need without breaking the bank.

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