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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 why dogs stop eating and drinking, but there are fewer reasons why they’re eating but not drinking.
Luckily, most causes of a dog who isn't drinking water are easily addressed and not related to an illness. In fact, most conditions increase water intake. Here we discuss reasons why 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:
On average, dogs need about 1oz (one ounce) per pound of body weight.
Canned or fresh food 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 water?
Several things may cause your dog to drink less water from the bowl that are not related to their health. These include:
Cooler weather
Decreased activity
Dirty bowl
Other sources are available
Canned or wet food
Behavioral: other pets, location or type of bowl
Anxiety
Mouth or throat pain
Pain while standing or walking
They don't need as much
Cooler weather and less activity may mean your dog needs less water. Also keep in mind that canned and fresh dog food have much higher water content than dry food and may satisfy much of your dog's daily water need.
They don't like their water bowl
Plus, while it can seem gross, many dogs prefer to drink from something other than their bowl, whether for taste or behavior reasons or even just convenience, and it can be a difficult habit to break. So even though you might be thirsty when you get home from the lake, if your dog was swimming with you, they easily could have swallowed plenty of water for the day.
While some dogs like pond- or pool-flavored 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.
Their bowl is hard to access
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 behavior problem.
They're anxious
Behavior concerns can also be the cause of a dog that isn't drinking. An anxious dog may be unwilling to drink during storms or in unfamiliar places.
They have an underlying medical condition
The medical reasons why a dog will not drink water but will eat food are limited. The first is pain somewhere. 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. In addition, some puppies can be born with a congenital disability, making it difficult for them to drink water even though they can eat normally. (Thankfully, this condition is rare.)
If your dog won't drink water and won't eat, it is much more likely to be a medical issue, and a veterinarian should see your dog immediately.
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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. However, dehydration in dogs is a serious health concern, and 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 on 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). 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, a dog who doesn't feel well. Dehydration is different than heat sickness (heat stroke or heat exhaustion). Signs of heatstroke include:
Excessive panting
Drooling (hypersalivation)
Increased heart rate
Confusion or disorientation
Bright red gums
Dry nose
Warm to the touch (body temperature higher than 104° F)
Collapse
Coma
Heatstroke in dogs
Heatstroke in dogs results from a dog being in the heat and not drinking water, 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 and begin to place cold, wet towels on their body, paws, and head.
How to treat dehydration
You can treat mild dehydration by encouraging your dog to drink more water at home. For example, you can try adding ice cubes or no or low-salt broth to your dog's water or purchasing a pet water foundation. You may also find your pet more willing to consume water when mixed with their food.
If your dog is still unwilling to drink, see a veterinarian right away. Your veterinarian can give your dog intravenous fluids either under the skin or into a vein, immediately correcting the dehydration. Your veterinarian will also help you determine the underlying reason for your dog's unwillingness to drink.
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. As a rule, the bowl should fit at least 2 ounces per pound of pets. You should also refill their bowl every few hours, change it daily, and clean it weekly.
Sometimes dogs are particular about their dog bowl, and that is why they don't drink. Dogs may prefer one type of material, such as glass, which does not pick up taste. Plastic, stainless steel, and ceramic dog bowls can absorb taste or release flavor into the water and may make your dog avoid the water bowl. Dishwasher-safe bowls are the best choice.
Bowls can also make noise as your dog drinks, and that can be scary to some dogs. 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 by having 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.
The bottom line
As pet parents, we worry about every little thing we can do to make our pets happy and keep them healthy. Providing constant access to fresh, clean water is one of the most essential and easy things we can do.
Another great thing we can do? Look into buying pet insurance. It's designed to reimburse you for covered accidents and illnesses.* Get your risk-free quote today.
Get a risk-free pet insurance quote
*pre-existing conditions excluded. See your policy for details.
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