Introduction
Most dog owners are familiar with the common scenario of having a full water bowl available, yet still needing to repeatedly remind or encourage their dog to drink water. Despite easy and constant access to fresh drinking water, some dogs seem reluctant or indifferent to staying properly hydrated. This perplexing situation often leaves pet parents wondering why their dog won’t drink water on their own. What is it about a dog’s nature or preferences that leads them to avoid drinking, even when water is readily available? This article explores the possible reasons behind dogs needing reminders and coaxing to drink adequate amounts of water.
Evolutionary History
Dogs are descendants of wolves and share many similar traits and behaviors with their ancestors. Wolves in the wild obtained much of the water they needed from the prey they hunted. As predators, wolves went after large prey animals such as deer, elk, moose, caribou, and bison in order to survive. The tissues of these prey animals were rich in water content. In addition, the metabolic processes that break down food into energy also generate water as a byproduct. By eating prey and consuming this “metabolic water,” wolves were able to stay hydrated without needing to drink directly from external water sources regularly.
According to https://wolf.org/original-articles/wolvesandwater/, “Except for thermoregulation, wolves can obtain their maintenance water requirements from their prey, both from water in prey tissues and from water produced by the oxidation of food.” As wolves evolved into dogs living alongside humans, they became domesticated and no longer hunted prey for survival. However, the tendency to get much of their hydration from food likely still remains instinctual in today’s canine companions.
Instincts and Preferences
Dogs have an evolutionary instinct to prefer moving water sources over stagnant water. In the wild, stagnant water often contains bacteria, algae, and other contaminants that can make a dog sick. Flowing water from streams and rivers is naturally filtered and aerated as it moves, making it safer for dogs to consume. This instinct remains strong in domesticated dogs today.
According to one study, dogs overwhelmingly chose to drink from a water dispenser with flowing water rather than a still water bowl (source). The movement and sound of running water from a fountain makes dogs more inclined to drink. Additionally, many dogs prefer the taste of cooler, filtered water from a fountain over standing water that can get warm and stale in a bowl.
Cats show a similar instinct, often preferring to drink from running taps or fountains. Flowing water activates their natural hunting drives and appeals to their curiosity. The sound and movement can also get their attention when they may ignore still water. So for both dogs and cats, providing a water fountain can satisfy inborn preferences for fresher, flowing drinking sources.
Health and Hydration
Proper hydration is extremely important for a dog’s health. Water makes up between 60-70% of an adult dog’s body weight. It is essential for body temperature regulation, circulation, digestion, waste removal, joint lubrication, and overall organ function (PetMD). Without adequate water intake, dogs can become dehydrated which can lead to serious health issues.
Dehydration occurs when a dog loses more fluids than they take in. It can be caused by illness, heat stroke, excessive exercise, vomiting, diarrhea, or inadequate access to clean drinking water. Symptoms may include lethargy, loss of appetite, dry gums, weakness, rapid heart rate, and concentrated urine. Severe dehydration can lead to organ failure and even death if not treated promptly by a veterinarian with intravenous fluids (Advanced Pet Vet).
Providing fresh, clean water at all times and encouraging regular drinking is the best way to support a dog’s health. Routine veterinary checkups to monitor hydration status are also recommended. Paying attention to water intake can help catch underlying issues early before they become more serious.
Training and Conditioning
Dogs can be trained to drink more water on command or on a set schedule. This is important because while some dogs will naturally drink enough on their own, others need more encouragement and structure around water consumption. Setting up a routine where you prompt your dog to drink at certain times throughout the day is an excellent way to promote adequate hydration.
Start by establishing set times when you will cue your dog to drink, such as after walks, playtime, meals, or a few times throughout the day. Bring your dog to their water bowl and use a verbal cue like “Get a drink” before allowing access to the water. Reward with praise and/or a treat after they drink. Be patient, as it may take some repetition before they understand what is being asked. The goal is to reinforce drinking on command as a learned behavior.
You can also train your dog to drink during or after certain activities. For example, make it a habit for your dog to drink after coming inside from a walk or after a game of fetch. Anytime they naturally drink, praise them so they associate drinking with positive reinforcement. With consistent training, your dog will learn to drink more often.
Breed Differences
Certain breeds are more prone to issues with hydration and need more encouragement to drink adequate amounts of water. According to Understanding the Importance of Hydration in Dogs, larger breeds generally require more water consumption due to their higher body mass and greater number of cells and tissues that need hydration. Breeds like Great Danes, Mastiffs, and Saint Bernards have a predisposition for bloat, which can be exacerbated by poor hydration habits. Smaller breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and Pomeranians have smaller bladders and may need more frequent access to fresh water. Herding breeds like Collies and Australian Shepherds have thick coats that cause them to pant more, losing fluids that must be replenished. Brachycephalic breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers are prone to overheating and require vigilant hydration monitoring.
Diet and Water Content
The type of food your dog eats can significantly impact how much additional water they need to drink. Dry kibble food contains only around 10% moisture, whereas canned wet foods can contain up to 75% moisture (source). This means dogs eating mostly dry food need to drink a lot more water than dogs eating wet food to stay hydrated.
One of the key benefits of feeding your dog wet food is added hydration, as wet food has a much higher moisture content than dry food (source). The moisture content helps hydrate your dog from the inside out.
Dogs getting the majority of their hydration from wet food may drink little to no additional water. However, it’s still a good idea to keep fresh water available at all times, even for dogs on an all wet food diet.
Picky Drinkers
Some dogs can be finicky about drinking water. This is especially common in small breeds like chihuahuas or toy poodles. There are several tips to encourage picky dogs to drink more water:
Try offering different containers like a fountain, bowl on a raised stand, or even a mug. The novelty may entice them to drink more. Make sure containers are cleaned frequently to keep the water fresh (according to wikihow.pet).
Add a small amount of low-sodium chicken or beef broth to flavor the water. Start with a teaspoon per bowl and adjust as needed. The scent and taste may make the water more appealing (according to Tractive).
Try offering ice cubes for them to lick or cruncht. The cold temperature and texture provides stimulation. Make sure not to give too many to avoid gulping and choking (according to Bulldogology).
Place multiple bowls around the house so there’s always water readily available. Make a point to encourage drinking during playtime or when feeding. With time and positive reinforcement, even the pickiest dog can develop better drinking habits.
Signs of Dehydration
It’s important to monitor your dog for signs of dehydration, as dogs can’t always regulate their water intake effectively. If your dog is dehydrated, they may exhibit the following symptoms that indicate they need more fluids:
Loss of skin elasticity – Gently pinch the skin at the back of your dog’s neck and then release it. The skin should snap back quickly. If it stays tented or returns slowly, it could mean dehydration.
Loss of appetite – Dehydrated dogs often don’t feel like eating. If your normally ravenous dog turns down food, it could be because they need more fluids.
Vomiting and diarrhea – Fluids are lost rapidly through vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms can quickly lead to dehydration if not addressed.
Lethargy – A dehydrated dog may act listless or fatigued because their cells and organs aren’t getting enough fluid.
Sunken eyes – As dogs become dehydrated, the tissues around their eyes can become dry and shrunken. Noticeable sunken eyes can signify dehydration.
Excessive panting – Dogs pant to evaporate moisture from their tongues, which helps cool them down. But excessive panting for no reason can be a sign your dog’s body is trying to conserve fluid.
Dry gums – Lift your dog’s lips and press their gums briefly. Normally the gums should be slick and moist. Dry, sticky gums often mean dehydration.
If you notice any of these signs, make sure your dog gets access to plenty of fresh water and contact your vet if the symptoms persist. Catching dehydration early can prevent more serious complications.
When to See the Vet
In most cases, if your dog is not drinking water, the underlying cause is benign and can be addressed at home. However, there are certain scenarios where it’s important to seek veterinary attention:
If your dog is not drinking water at all for over 24 hours, this can lead to dangerous dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. It’s crucial to get them checked by a vet right away if they are refusing all water and showing signs of dehydration like lethargy, dry gums, sunken eyes, etc. (1)
A sudden disinterest in drinking water could signal an acute medical issue like a bladder infection, kidney problems, nausea, fever, or pain. If the change in drinking is coupled with other symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, contact your vet promptly. (2)
Certain poisons like antifreeze have a sweet taste that dogs like, but ingesting them causes fatal kidney failure if not treated immediately. Rush to the emergency vet if you suspect poisoning. (3)
If your senior dog stops drinking as usual, it could indicate serious age-related diseases. Have them examined right away since dehydration can worsen any underlying condition. (1)
Post-surgery, it’s crucial that dogs take in adequate fluids to recover properly. Call your vet if your dog refuses water after a surgical procedure. They may prescribe subcutaneous fluids or other supportive therapy. (4)
While temporary picky drinking may not be concerning, a persistent lack of interest in water for more than a day or two warrants a trip to the vet. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your dog’s hydration.