8 Smart Ways to Make Your Dog Drink More Water
Keeping your dog properly hydrated isn’t just a summer concern—it’s a year-round necessity for their health and happiness. Water plays a crucial role in every aspect of a dog’s well-being, from supporting kidney function and aiding digestion to maintaining healthy joints and regulating body temperature. But what happens when your pup just isn’t drinking enough?
Whether it’s due to a picky personality, cooler weather, illness, or simple distraction, some dogs just don’t seem interested in their water bowls. And that can lead to serious issues like dehydration, urinary tract infections, or worse. If you’ve ever found yourself constantly refilling the bowl only to see it untouched, you’re not alone.
The good news? There are plenty of creative, vet-approved ways to encourage your dog to drink more water—without turning it into a daily battle. From simple changes around the house to tasty tricks they won’t be able to resist, these tips can make all the difference.
Ready to help your dog stay hydrated and healthy? Here are 8 smart and simple ways to get your pup sipping more often.
1. Fresh Water Daily
Dogs have sensitive noses that detect even slight changes in their water. Stale or dirty water quickly becomes unappealing to them. Empty, rinse, and refill your dog’s bowl at least once daily – more often in warm weather.
Bacteria can grow in standing water, making it smell funky to your pup long before you notice anything wrong. Some dogs are particularly picky about water freshness and will refuse to drink if their standards aren’t met.
Consider washing the bowl with soap every few days to remove any slime buildup or residue that might affect the taste or smell of the water.
2. Multiple Water Stations
Strategic placement of water bowls throughout your home makes hydration convenient for your four-legged friend. Many dogs simply forget to drink when water isn’t readily available in their favorite hangout spots.
Place bowls in the kitchen, living room, bedroom, and any other areas where your dog spends significant time. This approach is especially helpful for older dogs or puppies who might not want to trek across the house when thirsty.
An added bonus: multiple water stations encourage more frequent drinking throughout the day rather than large amounts all at once.
3. Pet Water Fountains
Running water naturally attracts dogs! Many canines prefer drinking from moving water sources because their wild ancestors learned that running water is typically safer than stagnant pools.
Pet fountains continuously circulate and filter water, keeping it fresh, cool, and enticing. The gentle splashing sound often piques a dog’s curiosity, drawing them over for a drink when they might otherwise pass by a regular bowl.
Modern fountains come in various sizes and styles to match your home décor, and many include replaceable filters to remove impurities and improve taste.
4. Moisture-Rich Meals
Adding water to your dog’s kibble creates an instant hydration boost at mealtime. Start with just a small amount and gradually increase until the food has a gravy-like consistency. Most dogs love this soupy mixture!
Low-sodium chicken or beef broth (without onions or garlic) can make this trick even more appealing. The savory flavor entices picky eaters while providing much-needed moisture. Just be sure to use broth sparingly to avoid excess salt intake.
For a different approach, consider occasionally mixing in wet food with their regular dry food for additional hydration.
5. Flavored Water Temptations
Plain water doesn’t always excite our canine companions. Adding a splash of flavor can transform ordinary water into an irresistible treat! A teaspoon of low-sodium chicken broth or the water from canned tuna (packed in water, not oil) works wonders.
Some pet parents find success with a few drops of coconut water or a small amount of bone broth. The key is moderation – just enough to entice without overwhelming their taste buds or adding too many calories.
Always introduce flavored water alongside regular water, giving your dog options while ensuring they still recognize plain water as a drinking source.
6. Frozen Treats Beat Heat
Ice cubes aren’t just cooling – they’re interactive hydration helpers! Many dogs enjoy chasing and crunching ice cubes as a playful way to consume water. This trick works especially well during hot summer months when staying hydrated is crucial.
Take this idea further by freezing diluted chicken broth, mashed banana, or pureed pumpkin in ice cube trays or Kong toys. These frozen goodies keep your pup entertained while sneaking extra moisture into their diet.
For outdoor adventures, pack a small cooler with frozen treats to encourage drinking during walks or park visits when dogs often forget to hydrate.
7. Hydrating Snack Attack
Fruits and vegetables with high water content make perfect hydrating snacks for dogs. Watermelon chunks (seeds removed), cucumber slices, and apple pieces can contain up to 90% water while providing healthy nutrients.
These crunchy treats satisfy your dog’s snacking instinct while boosting their daily water intake. Small pieces of frozen melon or berries offer cooling refreshment during hot weather and encourage proper hydration.
Always introduce new foods gradually and in moderation. Remember to research which fruits and vegetables are safe for dogs – avoid grapes, raisins, onions, and others that can be toxic to our furry friends.
8. Regular Hydration Schedule
Creating a consistent routine helps dogs develop healthy drinking habits. Encourage water breaks after walks, playtime, or meals when dogs naturally need hydration. Gentle praise reinforces this positive behavior.
Keep track of approximately how much your dog drinks daily. Changes in drinking habits can signal potential health issues, so monitoring intake helps you catch problems early. A good rule of thumb: dogs need about one ounce of water per pound of body weight daily.
For reluctant drinkers, try making water access a game – praise and perhaps a small treat when they drink from a new bowl or after returning from a walk.
