3 Ways To Get A Dog To Drink Water If It Isn't Thirsty

Everyone needs water to live, and it can be worrisome and stressful when your dog refuses to drink water. After a quick trip to the vet to rule out any medical or dental issues that could be causing the problem, it's time for you to get creative if your pup still refuses to drink enough. Here are some steps to start with, such as changing bowls, making the water more flavorful, or adding things to it.

The first thing to try changing is your dog's water bowl. If you have just a single bowl, add a few water dishes in different locations throughout your home. Try different sizes and shapes of bowl, along with ones made from different materials (metal, glass, ceramic, etc.). Your dog might find a coffee mug or teacup more appealing than a regular bowl. If your dog has a condition such as arthritis, test if an elevated bowl makes drinking easier. Whatever receptacle you decide upon, be sure to wash it frequently and change the water in it regularly. If your dog ignores all bowls and cups, consider adding a water fountain, as the sound and constant movement of the running water can be very appealing.

The next thing to try is to make your dog's water more interesting and flavorful. Add a splash of a tasty liquid such as unsalted, unseasoned chicken or beef broth; plain juice, including carrot or apple, with no sugars or artificial sweeteners added; or the liquid from a can of dog food. Be careful never to give your dog any liquid that might hurt them. Ingredients like alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, grapes, and artificial sweeteners can be harmful and even toxic. Also, avoid giving your pooch sweetened beverages or cow's milk, which can sometimes cause vomiting or diarrhea.

A third way to get your dog to drink more water is to put ice cubes in the bowl. Especially on hot afternoons during the dog days of summer, ice cubes can add pizzazz to plain water, and some dogs enjoy crunching on the cubes. For an extra enticement, make the ice cubes out of bone broth. 

You can also increase the amount of moisture in your dog's diet overall by adding more canned food to the menu and by offering your dog healthy fruit and veggie treats, including cucumber or seedless, rindless watermelon, both of which have a high water content. One last tip: Always keep toilet lids closed. It's possible your pooch pal actually is drinking water regularly — just out of the toilet.