While vets often get asked about excessive water intake, a less common question is: “Why won’t my dog drink water?” Refusal to drink is less common than drinking too much water, but it does happen. When it does, it can be alarming.
There are many reasons a dog may drink less than usual. In some cases, it’s simply due to natural aging, decreased activity, or disruptions in routine. But sometimes there’s a more serious underlying issue. It’s important to be aware of the potential causes so you can respond right away and make informed decisions for your pup’s health.
Normal Water Consumption in Dogs
The general consensus among doggy health experts is that dogs should drink about 1 ounce of water (⅛ cup) for every pound of body weight. But this is a general guideline, not a hard and fast rule. Dogs need varying amounts of water depending on their activity levels, overall health, age, medications, diet, and other factors. You should always make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water that they can access throughout the day.
If your dog’s water bowl is staying full long after you refill it or you notice any signs of dehydration, it may be time to consider a vet visit.
Common symptoms of dehydration in dogs include:
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive panting
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Lethargy
- Dry nose
- Sticky gums
- Thick saliva
- Vomiting
Possible Reasons Your Dog Isn’t Drinking Water
1. Aging
Older dogs still need to drink water, and sometimes they’re more prone to dehydration. If your senior dog exercises less as they get older, they may not feel thirsty as often. They also sometimes don’t want to expend their valuable energy getting to their bowl.
2. Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is commonly diagnosed in dogs, and one of the most common symptoms is refusal to drink. If your dog is also refusing food, having accidents in the house, or urinating very frequently, they may need to see a vet and get treatment for a UTI.
3. Ingestion of Toxic Substances or Spoiled Food
If a dog eats something that’s bad for them, like a poisonous food, plant, medication, or household product, they can become very sick and nauseated. This often leads to a lack of thirst, as well as a diminished appetite. If you suspect your dog has eaten something toxic for their health, take them to the vet immediately.
4. Dehydration
It may sound counterintuitive, but dogs may refuse to drink water because they’re severely dehydrated. If your dog hasn’t had enough water for a prolonged period of time, they may become lethargic and confused about their water bowl. If their refusal to drink is accompanied by excessive panting or drooling, your dog may be suffering from dehydration.
5. Underling Dental Problems
If your dog is suffering from dental pain, they’re likely to refuse to eat or drink. Common dental problems in dogs like broken or cracked teeth, gum disease, or abscesses should be treated right away to avoid longer term dental and medical issues.
6. Strange-Smelling Water
If you’ve recently moved to a new area, your dog may notice changes in the way their water smells and tastes. This may make them a little wary of their water bowl until they adjust to their new environment. In more rare cases, your dog refusing to drink could be a sign of contamination in the water. If you have concerns about this, it may be worth getting your water tested for lead and other hazards.
7. Changes in Routine
Your dog drinking less water than usual isn’t always a sign that something is wrong. Changes in their daily routine, diet, or level of exercise can throw them off their usual rhythm and affect their water intake. For example, if you’ve recently introduced a new pup into your family, this may affect your other dog(s) eating and drinking habits for a few days until they adjust.
How To Encourage Your Dog to Drink More Water
Drinking water throughout the day is a basic necessity for dogs. If you notice your dog drinking significantly less water than normal, it’s important to encourage them to drink more and to determine the likely cause.
Here are a few ways you can encourage drinking:
- Clean your dog’s bowl frequently.
- Always refill your dog’s bowl with fresh water.
- Try to keep your dog’s daily routine as consistent as possible.
- Add water to your dog’s food
- Provide multiple water bowls in different areas of the house.
- Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise.
When To See a Vet
If you’ve tried different strategies to encourage your dog to drink and nothing has worked or you start to notice signs of dehydration, it’s vital that you take your dog to the vet. There isn’t always an underlying medical concern that’s causing your dog to refuse water, but if there is one, you need to know about it so they can get the proper treatment.
Final Thoughts
Our dogs truly are part of our families. As a responsible pet parent, you always want to do everything you can to ensure your pup is healthy and happy. Unfortunately, they can’t always communicate exactly how they’re feeling or why they’re acting the way they are.
If you’re concerned about your dog not drinking enough water, the best thing you can do is ensure they always have access to clean, fresh water and take them to the vet if your encouragement isn’t having an effect. Your vet can help you determine the cause and make sure your dog stays hydrated and healthy.