Water: It is the basic foundation of life and dogs need it. If you want to get your dog to drink more water, this blog post is the equivalent of a gushing waterfall: Full of energy and something to come back to time and again for water drinking tips.
Note: If your dog has increased thirst or is generally not drinking or drinking very little on a continuous basis, seek veterinary care immediately. Do not wait. This article is designed to get your dog to drink more water and how to ensure they are well hydrated, both at home and on the go.
How Much Water Does a Dog Need?
There are statistics and studies galore, but the bottom line is this: Because water is the most important nutrient to a dog, clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
Trusted resource, The Merck Veterinary Manual 10th Edition, cites, “Dry pet foods contain 3 to 11% water and semi-moist foods contain 25 to 35% water. As a result, dogs (and cats) consuming predominantly canned food generally drink less water than those consuming predominantly dry diets.”
The folks at petMD say that as a rule of thumb, dogs should drink approximately one ounce of water per pound of body weight each day. So a 35 pound dog should consume about 35 ounces That’s a little over a quart of water.
Our dog consumes a rehydrated food diet mixed with vegetables and organic meat. As such, his food is mixed with water. He is still a good drinker. You want your dog to consume fresh, clean water because water is needed but also because it helps to flush the kidneys and overall digestion. Consider that 80 percent of a dog’s body is made up of water, so you can understand why access to the clean, cool liquid is mandatory to live.
Teach Your Dog the Word “Drink”
No matter how old your dog is or even if he is deaf, teach your dog a word associated with water. For us, this means “drink.” Every time your dog takes a drink of water, say “drink” a few times in a super happy, pleasant voice the way you would if rewarding your dog for a good behavior. Whenever your dog comes into contact with the clean bowl of water, say “drink” and maybe even lightly clap. It’s a mini party that your dog knows “drink.”
In the same way you taught your dog other words, like sit, stay, food, play, etc., you will teach drink. It’s all about the association of the act with the verbal word. He drinks, you say drink. Now, when I say to my dog, “Dexter, take a drink,” the majority of the time he will (unless he is not thirsty and then I get stink eye). If your dog is deaf, you would associate a hand signal with water/drinking water.
How to Get Your Dog to Drink More Water
So how can you get Fido to frequently flush with fluids? Here are 8 ways to get your dog to drink more water and some products to make the journey so much easier (we know because we’ve used them successfully for years):
(1) Change the Water Frequently
You know that first refreshing drink of water when you are parched? It feels so good going down at just the right temperature, right? It’s not too cold and it’s nice and clean. Your dog feels the same way. Make sure the water is clean, cool, and toss that nasty Internet ice cube rumor down the drain with the old water.
Fact: In a report for ABC News, Dr. Tina Wismer, medical director at the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center, reports this is totally false.
“This is not true,” said Dr. Wismer. “Dogs do not bloat from drinking ice water on hot days… They can be given as treats or put in the water bowl. Some behaviorists even recommend freezing toys or treats in ice for dogs to chew on.”
Why the rumors about dogs and ice cubes then? Everything you read online is not true: Surprise surprise! There are dangers with ice cubes and dogs that include:
- Allowing dogs to chew ice cubes and the possibility of the cube(s) getting lodged in the dog’s throat;
- Dental damage to teeth due to chomping on ice;
(2) Consider Purchasing a Dog Water Fountain
Pet fountains constantly circulate and filter the water, so it stays cleaner and tastes fresher to give cats the water they seek. Also, running water is often more enticing to a dog, so consider an in-home dog water fountain. We had one for a number of years and then gifted it to a friend whose dog had water consumption issues. The fountain really worked for her dog! Here’s the PetSafe Drinkwell Fountain we used:
(3) Take Water With You On the Go
Whether it’s a walk around the block, a jaunt in the neighborhood, a trek to the dog park, or a trip in the car, please on a stack of dog biscuits, please take water with you on the go. Your dog will thank you for it. I’ve been taking water with me for my dog for my entire adult life. I wish I had a dollar for every time a stranger’s dog stopped by and wanted a drink from our dog’s water bowl. I’d be rich!
Since dogs need daily exercise, get your dog used to moving around. If the dog isn’t panting, he isn’t losing moisture and his body may not crave water as much as a more active dog.
Carry the water supply with you and every 10 or 15 minutes, offer the dog the water. Say “drink, Fido” very nicely and happily when offering the drink. If your dog drinks on the go, he will be more inclined to drink at home.
Here are 4 of our favorite ways to transport water on the go:
S’ip by S’well Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle, Double Wall, 15 oz, Top Dog
H2O4K9, Dog Water Bottle and Travel Bowl, 25-Ounce, Pure Stainless
Gulpy Jr. Water Dispenser for Pet, 10-Ounce(Colors may vary)
Dexas Popware for Pets Collapsible Travel Cup, Large, Gray/Green
(4) Let the Dog Pee More
If there is one thing I have learned in being a lifelong dog parent it is this: Dogs are happier if they can pee more. Their bodies are even healthier if they can pee more. I kid you not.
Knowing the amount of water your dog should drink helps you determine if your dog is drinking too little or too much. Flushing the kidneys and urinary tract is one way to keep crystals from forming and to keep dogs healthy. Take your dog out. Let him pee. Let him sniff. I do this every 2 to 3 hours at the most every day with my dog (except during the overnight).
Learn more about how to prevent a urinary tract infection in dogs
(5) Feed a Quality Diet
Want your dog to drink more? Feed a food that suits him. There is something to be said for feeding a dog a natural, high quality pet food, free of by-products and fillers, and appropriate to their nutritional requirements. We feed a moist pet food (semi-raw rehydrated) and ensure our dog drinks an adequate amount of water daily.
(6) Consider Multiple Water Bowls
I am a single dog household, but if you have a dog who roams the house all day and/or have a multiple dog household, consider spacing out multiple water bowls throughout the house (a few different rooms, floors) for easy access. Dogs may spill the water, one dog may drink more, and you want to ensure access to water is there, especially if you aren’t. Toss old bowls out as they wear and replace with new ones.
Here are some of our favorite dog water bowls for inside:
PetRageous 3.5-Cup Water Vintage Pet Bowl, 6-Inch, Black/Natural
(7) Entice Mode
When all else fails, consider making the water more palatable and pleasing for the dog. When my first Cocker Spaniel fell ill with irritable bowel disease, we tried everything including adding low sodium chicken broth to her water. It worked for a while until her body eventually failed.
For your dog, consider different textures of water bowls. Do you like a certain cup or mug? I do and dogs do, too. They are smart and have preferences just like us! There are so many available options in dog bowls. Here are a few of our favorites, and we always say BPA-free, please. These can be found on Etsy:
Large Single Bowl, 2 Qt heart diner, elevated dog
Paw Print Bowl w/ Lip in Chocolate Brown & Tan
(8) Rinse, Repeat, Use Antibacterial Dish Liquid
Yes, dogs don’t dig dirty dishes any more than you do. That slimy substance that forms around the perimeter of a dog bowl is no fun from which to drink. A clean bowl with clean water makes for an enticing tastebud dance for your dog. Just do it. And make sure the bowl is thoroughly rinsed afterwards.
Now that you know how to entice your dog to drink more water, be sure you check out Dog Water Dangers No One Talks About.
Question: Is your dog a good water drinker or could he or she use improvement? Do tell in the comments below.
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Jodi Stone says
Great tips here Carol!
Delilah is a mad drinker. She would literally drink the entire bowl if we let her (we don’t.)
Sampson, not so much. I have a supplement I’m giving him, and I mix that into a cup of water, so I know he’s getting some liquid. They are both also fed raw, so I know they get liquid in that as well.
Carol Bryant says
Fantastic on the raw and knowing they get the water there. I am one of those panic over water dog moms, too – so it’s good to hear others who keep on eye on it, too!
Two French Bulldogs says
This is a good post cause mom said I hardly drink water. She sneaks it in my food
Lily (& Edward)
Carol Bryant says
You have a very good mom!
Katie Kinsley says
As much as I try to lead my dog to water, he very seldom drinks when I want him to. He usually opts for drinking out of the toilet!
MJB says
I have one that does that too. Apparently toilet water is better…..
The Swiss Cats says
Great post ! Your 8 tips can apply to kitties too, who drink very few, which can be a big problem for kitties fed dry. Purrs
Carol Bryant says
Thanks and so good to see you here, Claire. I know the kitties love their water and can be difficult to drink. Happy this helps!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
This was a very interesting read! I’ve never thought about having to get my dog to drink more water. I always just assumed he drank as much as he needed.
Carol Bryant says
Yes, one never knows how much a dog is consuming water wise until you start to monitor. Thanks for coming by!
Bill Sweeney says
Oh wow. We don’t have dogs, so I didn’t know you’d ever need to actually encourage them to drink water like that. Thanks for the great info.
Carol Bryant says
Indeed some animals are hard to get to drink water.
Eloise says
these are all great tips to keeping a dog hydrated! I never really knew about ‘how much’ water a dog should drink, thanks for that info, I’ll keep that in mind when I get a dog… And I love how easy products make it to take with when you’re on the go with pets!
Carol Bryant says
Yes, I love those portable bottles. I even got a S’well bottle for myself.
Sarah Bailey says
Sally thankfully drinks a good amount of water but I do like the idea of the fountain I might have to get her one.
Carol Bryant says
Dogs and cats love free flowing water so that would be a fab investment for Sally 😉
Jacqui M says
This post is so important. I noticed when I go to the park with my dogs, 90% of people don’t bring water for their dogs. You can see the dogs panting and wanting a drink. I’m so glad you also mentioned changing your dog’s water frequently. That’s another thing I see when I visit friends. They seldom change the water and figure if there is water left in the bowl, that’s efficient. Great tips, Carol.
Carol Bryant says
That is sad that people do not bring water for their dogs. I am glad that you are on top of it, Jacqui.
KC says
We wouldn’t have thought to take water to dog parks if out somewhere else because all of the d0g parks around us have constant feed water troughs. Good to know when we are traveling.
Carol Bryant says
Happy to help!
Marcie W. says
Our dog drinks a ton, which I feel is due to him being on medication. He could really benefit from one of those handy fountains.
Stephanie Jeannot says
I guess saying it is to say to drink but to them would be positive reinforcement. That’s a good idea.
Christy Maurer says
Toby does drink his water well thankfully! When he was trying a new food, I had to add water to it too, so he was getting some extra that way! These are such cute dog bowls 🙂
Brandi Crawford says
These are great tips! I have a 4 pound Yorkie and she absolutely loves water. I still found this helpful, because now I think she may need a couple of more bowls throughout the house.
Carol Bryant says
I am so happy this helped. I am a bit of a water snob and so I give my pooch filtered water and have 2 bowls out for him.
Milena says
Wow, I don’t have a dog so I never gave this much thought. I know my cat always looks for clean water and when he is anxious or not feeling well he drinks alot!
Claudia Krusch says
These are great ways to get your dog to drink more. It is so important in the heat that they stay hydrated.
Kelly Hutchinson says
This is such an important post as the weather is getting warmer. My daughter has a collapsible water bowl. She takes it everywhere for the dogs.
Carol Bryant says
Isn’t it fab for portability?
Reesa Lewandowski says
I have no idea how much my dog is supposed to drink, so thank you!!!! I think he isn’t getting enough now!
Carol Bryant says
I am glad this helped.
Joely Smith says
Our Lyla is a good drinker but I do make sure she is not drinking so much as to raise a worry for her health. She once was drinking far too much water and she was actually ill. We had that taken care of for her of course.
Having a clean bowl is so important they do get slimy and gross! I don’t want my baby drinking out of a dirty bowl.
A great article and made me feel better about Lyla’s water consumption and peeing 🙂
Carol Bryant says
You just made our day!
Dawn Nieves says
These are great tips. My sister in law just got a new puppy so I can’t wait to share this with her!
Carol Bryant says
Oh good – so happy to help
ricci says
I don’t have a problem with getting gym dog to drink more water. My problem is that when she thinks the bowl is empty she drags it all over the house and gets whatever water is left in the bowl everywhere! LOL!!
Carol Bryant says
OMD hahahaha cute
Mars says
Great ways. I will forward this post to my sister for she has a puppy named Pochi that doesn’t really eat and drink much. I hope this could help her get Pochi drink more.
Carol Bryant says
So happy to help
Karlyn Cruz says
Most of a dog’s body is comprised of water. Adequate water ingestion and hydration is important for them to maintain proper circulation, as well as the health of organs and tissues, including the heart, brain, liver, kidneys, lung, intestines and pancreas.
Carol Bryant says
Indeed
Amanda says
We always carry a dog bowl with water whenever we go on long walks or car rides just so our sweet pup is taken care of. Other than that, my vet told me not to worry about how much water she drinks.
Carol Bryant says
You are a great dog parent to take water for her!
Louise says
Aww, your pooch is too cute! I always find my son drinks more water if I refill his glass every half an hour or so. He really hates water that’s gone warm and I think dogs will be the same 🙂
Louise x
victoria heckstall says
A lot of people believe that dog’s drink what they need but in fact they drink what they are given and sometimes they’re aren’t big fans of what we give them!
Rebecca Swenor says
This is awesome information for any dog owner. I love the doggy bowls show here I will have to check these out. The ice cube thing is something that I always feared with my dog so I would make a slush for him in the summer months. Thanks for sharing the information.
OurFamilyWorld says
I had no idea how much water they are supposed to have. These are great tips. The doggie bowls are so cute.
Mimi Green says
The water fountain is a great idea for dogs. I would get one if I were a pet owner.
Kathy says
These are all some great tips. I don’t have any dogs though. I just have three cats. It’s very important to make sure they always get enough water.
Lynndee says
Never thought of a dog water fountain. That’s a great idea. Will tell my parents about it.
Kiwi says
I lol’d at let the dogs pee more. Yeah I am sure thats important look as a human I feel better when I urinate and get rid of waste I know dogs will too they shouldnt hold it in all day.
DONNA MILLWOOD says
I liked your note about keeping the bowl clean and changing water often. This is so true and an absolute must for your pet’s health. Bacteria starts to grow after their first lap of water!
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says
Very good reminder. Oddly I have always big breed dogs, Rotties, German Shepard’s etc and they were all good with drinking water, they were super active and liked to drink water.
Cindy Grant says
These are really helpful tips. I will try them with my little puppy. Thanks a lot 🙂
My Dog Store says
Thanks for this informative post. Dog owners should pay attention to how much water their dog drinks. If their dog drinks unusually more or less than its normal volume of water, it can be signs of being unwell.
Julia says
Drinking a lot of water is really important for dog as well as for human and all living beings. Especially this question is vital in summer when there is a danger of a heat stroke. To avoid it we and out dogs should drink a lot of water. Thank you for the useful post.
Molly O says
Thanks for the great suggestions. I have a middle-aged Cavalier who just won’t drink much water. Now that I have started increasing the water she gets with her food mix, she really doesn’t drink. I’m going to try flavoring the water first and see how that goes. The puppy and the kitties drink the water like crazy!
All Things Collie says
I never thought about teaching them to “drink” on demand. I might give this a try! (The collies love drinking water though, so this isn’t something we usually worry about.)
Carol Bryant says
I am so grateful I taught him this. It works like a charm most times. He’s a good drinker, but it is always good to let him know he needs water. Oh and I associated it with a hand signal, too 😉 Keep me posted on hos it goes!
Lindsay Pevny says
I took my dogs to the beach this morning, and they refused to have more than a few sips, I’m not sure why. I always pack hydrating fruits and veggies like apples and carrots to help with this, and sometimes even mush the treats into the water to get them interested. Or, I’ll dip my fingers in their water and wet their chins/nose so they lick – anything to get some water inside them on a hot morning!
Viki Anders says
With Kismet’s tongue water also means keeping his tongue moist. When he will not drink I mix fresh water, a few pieces of kibble, and a little bit of 100% pumpkin and he slurps it right down!
KC says
We have a standard poodle puppy (49 lbs currently) that we restrict her water intake because she is a “Mad drinker” (as another reply stated about their dog). If we put out a gallon of water she would try and drink the entire gallon. Amazingly enough she has gotten 3 UTI’s that we are addressing with our vets on changing her diet (this is the first dog we have bought the expensive non-filler foods and having more issues than ever before! Go figure!)
It is suggested to give a dog “flavored water”. What can be used to flavor water other than salty broth/low salt broth?
Thank you for an AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL website that is full of helpful tips/stories!
Roberta says
My older standard poodle has too much protein in her urine. I noticed she is not drinking as much as she used to. I am changing water more often and washing bowl more often, but she still only drinks about twice a day. I have reverse osmosis water and usually put some ice in it. I have her on a lower protein diet, but the lack of drinking worries me. She gets a mix of high quality kibble, canned and raw food.
Carol Bryant says
Have you tried a water fountain like the ones from PetSafe, Roberta? Dogs like the sound of running water and may be more inclined to drink more.
Stassia says
Hi, thank you so much for the information. What natural food diet do you use for your dog? I’ve been trying to find the perfect balance, but feel it still effects her Ph. Would love a good recommendation. Thank you!
Carol Bryant says
We like Dr Harveys and the Honest Kitchen.
David bird says
Water is truly an imperative part of our lives. Not just for us but for our pets as well. Technology has been a great savior when it comes to meeting our requirements and thus we have a brand new people and pet water dispenser that allows our pet to have access to varied temperature water. It’s a must-have appliance and now it even works best for our pets as well. Thanks for the information provided.
Marilyn says
My dogs used to give me a hard time about drinking enough water, especially one of them in particular. I got creative and started buying bone broth to add to their water and they won’t stop drinking now. There are many great products on the market like Buster’s Brew bone broth tea, Ossio broth, and others. Try one of those and you’ll never turn back.
Nicholas Osborne says
Thanks for your great advice we bought for Sadie the Dog Water Fountain. and she has taken to it a like a fish to water
Dale Kalika says
My 8 month old Havanese won’t drink water but will eat ice from outside. How can I get him interested in water again?
David says
Thank for sharing this article. Very interesting.