Water is essential to life. It has even been referred to as the most crucial nutrient for survival. Your dog needs to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and healthy.
Here’s how to determine how much water your dog needs and some explanations for why they might not be drinking as much as they should in the event that they aren’t.
Associate the Activity with a Negative Experience
Additionally, some dogs might associate drinking water with having a bad experience. If you adopt a dog from a shelter, he might not want to drink from the same bowl the shelter gave him because he associates it with a bad memory.
There are many possible causes for his negative emotions. It’s also possible that he’s just extremely picky and doesn’t like the bowl’s design or location. If you believe this to be the case, try purchasing a brand-new bowl with an entirely different appearance and putting it somewhere else. This might clear the issue up right away.
Your dog’s mouth injury may also be the cause of his refusal to drink water. If you notice that he isn’t drinking, look inside his mouth for rocks, plastic, or splinters. You might be able to remove it on your own or you might need your veterinarian’s assistance.
Another reason why your dog won’t drink water is tooth damage. He won’t use the cold water because it hurts his teeth, so he won’t.
Anxiety is also a potential reason why your dog won’t drink water. It could be that one of the kids left for college, there’s been a death in the immediate family, or a divorce. In this case, your dog is experiencing severe separation anxiety. That kind of change can really affect your canine companion and he may lose his desire to eat and drink.
Additionally, if you recently moved into a new home, that could be problematic. Your dog will need to adjust to unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells. Like it is for us, they may experience overwhelming situations, and one response might be to disregard his water bowl.
Potential Causes for Why Your Dog Won’t Drink Water
There are numerous potential causes for your dog’s refusal to drink water.
A change in the weather is one factor that could be causing your dog to drink less water. Many dogs will reduce their water consumption in the fall, alarming their owners. It’s likely that they simply lack thirst due to the cooler temperatures. This also applies if your dog hasn’t had a lot of exercise.
They might not be as eager to slop up a gallon of water as soon as they reach their bowl if there isn’t a lot of effort involved. As long as your dog doesn’t completely stop drinking, this is completely normal.
Your dog may generally act differently if you’re in an unfamiliar or new environment. They may not be as animated and may not eat or drink as frequently as they usually do. Dogs have extremely sensitive noses, and their genetic makeup may alert them to the danger if they detect the smell of an unfamiliar water source. One of their many centuries-old survival strategies was to do this.
Try bringing a water bottle or bowl from home if you’re going somewhere new to make him more comfortable.
There are also many health issues that can mess with your dog’s water intake. Bladder infections or urinary tract infections are two major culprits of reduced thirst. It could also be diabetes or kidney disease.
It’s crucial to call your veterinarian and explain the situation if you notice any additional symptoms, such as lethargy and lack of appetite, and suspect something is wrong. Call an emergency veterinarian right away if your vet isn’t available and your dog needs care right away. Make sure to keep track of how much water your dog consumes so the veterinarian is aware of the situation.
Your dog may begin to drink less water as he ages. It might be because entering the other room requires a lot of effort or just because his thirst and hunger receptors are starting to wane. Older dogs typically receive less exercise and exert themselves less than younger dogs. It is normal for your dog to consume less water.
However, you still need to make sure your older dog is drinking water if you have to. It might be a good idea to switch to wet food at this time to allow for some water intake that isn’t just gulping it down from the bowl.
What To Do If Your Dog Is Drinking Less Water
It’s crucial to assess all facets of your dog’s behavior for additional indications of issues if your dog is drinking less water than usual and this is a change from previous behavior.
For example:
Any abnormality is cause for concern. If your dog is very young or old, pregnant, nursing, or has health issues like diabetes or kidney disease, this could be made worse. Learn more about causes for dehydration here.
FAQ
How do you hydrate a dog that won’t drink?
Adding a little water to your dog’s dry food to make it moist is one way to encourage him to drink water. You can also give your pup ice to snack on. Try a new bowl or a different location to place the bowl to tempt him; dogs love the crunchy texture and there are no extra calories.
Why do old dogs stop drinking water?
Aging. An older dog may also avoid drinking water. It may simply be too difficult to get to the water, or the animal’s sense of thirst may be waning along with its appetite. Older dogs may not be as thirsty as younger dogs because they get less exercise.
How do I hydrate my older dog?
You can do this by simply giving your dog water, but you can also give him an electrolyte solution to help replenish any electrolytes that have been lost (like plain Pedialyte).
How long can a senior dog go without drinking water?
Your pet can go for up to 72 hours (three days) without drinking water before becoming dehydrated. However, after the first 24 hours, it will start to exhibit signs of dehydration. Beyond that, your animal friend will progressively feel weaker.