Dehydration is a dangerous condition for humans and canines alike. That’s because water is such a critical component of several core body processes, including digestion, blood circulation, and waste removal. As a dog owner, there are few things more concerning than when your dog refuses to drink water, particularly if it’s been more than a day or two since he’s had his last sip. Could they be sick? Unhappy? Or are you just overreacting?
There’s nothing we value more than keeping your pets healthy and strong. So today we’ll be teaching you about your canine’s daily hydration needs, why they might be ignoring their water dish, and what you can do to get them drinking again.
HOW MUCH WATER DOES YOUR DOG NEED?
Before you worry too much about your dog refusing to drink water, you have to understand how much water he or she should be drinking daily. There are several factors that influence how much water your dog needs, including its size, diet, and how much exercise it gets. Fortunately, there’s a handy little rule you can follow. Generally, dogs require about 60 milliliters of water per kilogram of body weight (or roughly 1 fluid ounce per pound of bodyweight).
Bear in mind that a dog drinking slightly less than the recommended amount of water is perfectly normal and healthy, especially if they haven’t been very active recently. But if you’ve crunched the numbers and your pet is drinking significantly less than the recommended amount, then something could be wrong.
Signs Your Dog May Be Dehydrated
If you’re still not certain whether your dog is drinking enough water, be on the lookout for other symptoms of dehydration. Dehydration symptoms can include:
- Sunken eyes
- Lethargy
- A dry mouth (the gums will feel very sticky)
- Depression
Maybe you’re offering ample amounts of fresh water and your dehydrated dog still won’t touch it. Why would a thirsty dog refuse a drink?
3 REASONS DOGS STOP DRINKING
#1 Mouth Injuries
In most cases, refusal to drink can be linked to an injury near or inside of a dog’s mouth. Dogs love to chew on things, particularly objects that are tough enough to give their teeth a challenge. It’s pretty easy for chunks of wood, plastic, or rock to end up grinding around inside your pet’s mouth, causing small cuts and scrapes that can make it painful to drink. Damaged teeth will also produce very similar effects.
#2 Anxiety
Nerves and anxiety can also cause a loss of thirst and appetite in dogs. These emotions can be linked to a change in surroundings or lifestyle, including new pets or people staying in the house. An absent family member can cause a significant amount of stress as well.
In most cases, dogs acclimate to these changes quickly on their own, causing their desire to eat and drink to return after a few days. However, particularly sensitive dogs may need additional assistance to calm down and get well again.
#3 Taste
Changes in water can also influence your pet’s willingness to drink. Even small differences in taste and smell can be a big deal for your dog. So if you’ve swapped from using well water to city water, your dog might not be drinking because they’re uncomfortable with it. If this is the case, you can try mixing some bottled water into your dog’s dish to help them get used to the change.
You May Want to Schedule an Exam
Regardless of the reason why your pet stopped drinking, your next step should be arranging a checkup with your local vet. They should be able to examine your pet to determine exactly what the trouble is and how you can go about fixing it.
This step is particularly important if your dog has a mouth injury that won’t heal over the course of a few days. Even if you’re confident that your dog will return to normal after a few days, it never hurts to have them go in for a checkup.
Now you just need to focus on keeping your pup hydrated until the vet can see them.
HOW TO GET YOUR DOG TO DRINK MORE WATER
Fortunately, there are several techniques you can use to keep your dog hydrated when it doesn’t want to drink from its dish.
Add Some Water
First of all, try adding some fresh water to your dog’s food. Most dogs focus so intently on chowing down that they’ll get some water in their system this way. Of course, not all food will mix well with water and you may find that your dog gives you one of those pup confused glares. Still, this strategy may work for lesser-problematic situations.
Feed Them Dog-Safe Fruits
You can also try feeding your dog some watery treats. Believe it or not, most dogs love ice cubes with a passion. Fruits like seedless watermelon, apples, and blueberries are all great for your dog and contain a substantial amount of water as well. There are a few veggies that can help to hydrate your dog too, including carrots and cucumbers.
Keep in mind that not all fruits and vegetables are safe for pets to eat. In fact, grapes and onions are incredibly poisonous to dogs. Use this article as a starting point for snack safety and always do your research before feeding your dog new foods.
Try Using Broth
Making broth with bits of fresh chicken or beef is an excellent way to tempt your dog into hydrating itself as well. Very few canines have the willpower to turn down a meal that tasty! Just remember to keep onion, garlic, and any other dangerous ingredients out of any meals you make them.
Unfortunately, all of these tricks will only work properly if your dog is still willing to eat food. If your dog refuses to eat as well, don’t panic. Just continue to offer food, keep their water fresh, and focus on getting them in for that checkup as soon as possible.
MEETING WITH YOUR VET
Your veterinarian will be a fantastic source of information on why your pet is refusing to drink water. They’ll also be an excellent resource if you need more advice or tricks to get your dog drinking again. Just be sure to follow any health or dietary counsel they give and remember to answer their questions honestly so they can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Well done! Your favorite canine should be back in peak condition in no time. Moving forward, be sure to keep track of your pet’s eating and drinking habits carefully and report any irregularities to your vet as soon as they come up. Between the two of you, your dog is in very good hands.
COMPLEMENT YOUR DOG’S DIET WITH NATURAL CHEWS AND SUPPLEMENTS
At Wapiti Labs, we supply elk velvet antler products to pet owners who are seeking healthy supplements for their best friends. When it comes to the well-being of your pup, Wapiti has your back. Whether your dog has stopped drinking water or is starting to show signs of another illness, we can help. Be sure to call or message us today to learn more about how to keep your dog healthy and happy.
