How to get dog to drink water?

Thirst and drinking are among the simplest behaviors a dog shows, but when they change it can be an early sign of something important. This guide explains what normal drinking looks like, practical fixes to encourage fluid intake, the physiology behind thirst, when changes should worry you, and step-by-step actions you can take at home before calling your veterinarian.

How low water intake affects your dog’s health and behavior

Understanding normal versus concerning drinking helps protect a dog’s health and comfort. A rough rule most vets use is about 50 to 60 milliliters of water per kilogram of body weight per day (roughly 1 to 1.5 ounces per pound), so a 10 kg (22 lb) dog often needs around half a liter daily. Active dogs, those working or hiking in warm weather, may need substantially more; sedentary house pets may need less. These are guidelines, not absolutes—individual needs vary with metabolism, ambient temperature and recent activity.

Owners commonly notice changes during heat waves, travel, after anesthesia or surgery, or when a dog switches diets or becomes picky. A dog that refuses water after vomiting or on return from a long car ride is a frequent scenario I see; sometimes the problem is dehydration from panting and reduced intake, sometimes it’s temporary nausea. The practical goals are straightforward: prevent dehydration that can progress quickly in small or elderly dogs, and avoid excessive intake that may signal an underlying disease.

Fast, practical solutions you can try today to encourage sipping

If your dog seems mildly thirsty or mildly under-drunk, try immediate, low-risk steps to encourage gentle rehydration. Offer fresh, cool water and change it often—dogs are more likely to sip from clean water that smells fresh. If the water sits all day it may taste flat; a quick refill several times daily often increases interest.

Changing the bowl can also help. Some dogs dislike plastic taste or whisker stress from narrow bowls; a shallow, wide stainless-steel or ceramic bowl often leads to more comfortable drinking. Moving the bowl to a quiet area away from busy doorways and bowls with food can reduce distraction and encourage sipping.

Temporarily offering canned/wet food or adding a little low-sodium chicken broth to water can increase fluid intake without forcing liquids. A pet water fountain that provides a gentle stream sometimes appeals to dogs that prefer running water. These are short-term measures—if a dog still drinks little or shows other signs of illness, escalate care.

Inside canine thirst: hormones, hydration cues and appetite links

Thirst is regulated by sensitive systems that monitor the body’s fluid and salt balance. Tiny sensors called osmoreceptors in the brain’s hypothalamus detect changes in blood concentration and, when concentration rises slightly, trigger a sensation of thirst and release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH, also called vasopressin). ADH signals the kidneys to conserve water by concentrating urine. This system works to keep blood volume and electrolyte balance fairly stable under normal conditions.

Kidney ability to concentrate urine is a key part of the picture. Younger, healthy dogs usually concentrate urine well and so may drink less when diet or weather changes. Older dogs or those with kidney disease may not concentrate urine as effectively and therefore drink and urinate more. Body size matters too: small dogs lose heat and water differently than large dogs, and breed differences—like thick coats or a flat face—can influence evaporative water loss and how readily a dog pants.

Diet moisture is another important influence. Dry kibble typically contains about 6–10% moisture, while canned food often has 70–80% moisture. A dog switched from wet to dry food will commonly increase water intake, while a transition toward canned food often reduces it. Keep this in mind when you compare day-to-day intake across diet changes.

Why your dog may be drinking more — or less — than usual

Expect drinking to rise with heat, exercise and panting. Panting is an efficient coolant, but it also increases insensible water loss; after a long run or a hot afternoon, extra free water should be available. Growth, pregnancy and especially lactation are high-demand states—lactating females may drink two to three times their normal volume to support milk production.

Conversely, decreased drinking can be situational: stress from travel, unfamiliar environments, or mouth pain may suppress interest in water. Medications and chronic illnesses often affect thirst: diuretics and some corticosteroids increase it, while nausea-reducing drugs may restore normal intake. Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, Cushing’s disease or chronic kidney disease may cause persistent increased thirst and urination; these need veterinary assessment rather than home fixes.

When to worry: dehydration, water intoxication and veterinary red flags

Certain patterns mean you should contact a veterinarian promptly. Excessive thirst paired with a marked increase in urination (polydipsia and polyuria) may suggest metabolic or endocrine disease and is worth a medical workup. If a dog refuses to drink and also has vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, collapse, or severe lethargy, dehydration can develop quickly—particularly in puppies, seniors and small breeds—and this requires urgent care.

Look for physical clues of dehydration: dry or tacky gums that don’t moisten when touched, skin that tents and returns slowly, sunken eyes, rapid heart rate, or weight loss. Sudden collapse, severe weakness, abnormal breathing or disorientation are emergency signs; do not delay in seeking immediate veterinary attention if these appear. Mild changes can often be managed at home, but significant or progressive signs need professional evaluation.

Owner’s checklist: immediate steps and follow‑up actions

1. Observe and record: Note how much water your dog is drinking over 24–48 hours and how often they urinate. Estimate volume by measuring bowl fills or using a marked container. Record any vomiting, diarrhea, appetite change or behavioral change.
2. Offer tempting, low-risk options: Fresh cool water, a shallow wide bowl in a quiet spot, a little low-sodium chicken broth or diluted canned food can nudge intake. Offer water at different temperatures—some dogs prefer slightly chilled; others like it room temperature.
3. Encourage small frequent sips: If a dog is reluctant, try offering water several times an hour in small amounts rather than a single large bowl. For mildly dehydrated dogs, encouraging frequent sips is safer and better tolerated than forcing large volumes.
4. Monitor over 12–24 hours: If drinking returns to near-baseline and there are no other symptoms, continue observation and ensure clean water is always available. If the dog’s intake remains low, or if you see red-flag signs (vomiting, severe lethargy, excessive drinking/urination), contact your veterinarian quickly.

Training and routine tips to build reliable hydration habits

Long-term patterns help maintain healthy hydration. Build simple routines so your dog expects water after walks and meals; offering water consistently after activity reinforces the habit. Place multiple water bowls in quiet, easily accessible places—one near the sleeping area and one near the main living area—so aging or arthritic dogs don’t have to travel far to drink.

Use gentle positive reinforcement: praise or a small treat when the dog drinks voluntarily helps create a positive association. Keep bowls cleaned daily; residue or biofilm can deter drinking. Rotate bowls and refresh water periodically to keep the taste appealing. If you travel frequently with your dog, simulate travel routines at home so they remain comfortable drinking in unfamiliar places.

Safe bowls, fountains and products that help dogs drink more

Equipment can make a practical difference. Pet water fountains with filters can be especially effective for dogs that prefer moving water—choose units with easily cleaned reservoirs and replace filters per manufacturer guidance. Wide, shallow stainless-steel or ceramic bowls reduce whisker stress and avoid the plastic taste that some dogs dislike. For outings, use portable collapsible bowls or dedicated pet water bottles with a spout to offer measured amounts on the go.

Occasional treats like frozen broth ice cubes or diluted canned food frozen into poppable cubes are useful incentives on hot days, but should not replace free access to plain water. Avoid flavored human drinks or high-sodium broths—choose low-sodium pet-safe options so you don’t inadvertently increase salt intake and thirst. If you try new gear or treats, introduce them slowly so you can watch for positive change or any digestive upset.

References and expert sources

• Merck Veterinary Manual: “Dehydration and Fluid Therapy in Dogs and Cats” (Merck Veterinary Manual online)
• American Veterinary Medical Association: “Hydration and Water Needs for Dogs” (AVMA pet care resources)
• Ettinger SJ, Feldman EC. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine: “Fluid and Electrolyte Therapy” (8th ed.), Saunders
• Polzin DJ. “Approach to the Patient with Polyuria and Polydipsia.” Clinical Techniques in Small Animal Practice, 2003;18(3):150–158.
• National Research Council. “Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats.” Water requirements section (2006), National Academies Press