Dogs, like all animals, need to drink plenty of water every day. Water will help dogs stay hydrated and keep their bodies and organs in top shape. However, sometimes dogs do not get as much water as they should; this can lead to both acute and chronic dehydration, which can cause plenty of health problems. If you want to make sure that your dog avoids these potentially serious problems, you need to do everything you can to encourage your dog to stay hydrated. The following guide will help you learn how to get your dog to drink more water during the day.
Add water to your dog’s food
You can help your dog consume more water by adding water to your dog’s existing food. Water can be added to dry food/kibble, as well as wet food. Experiment with different amounts of water, since some dogs may prefer their dry food on the crunchier—rather than the soggier—side.
Make your dog “popsicles” as treats
You can make your dog popsicles by freezing water, or even freezing dog-friendly liquids such as certain broths, and making your own popsicles. Letting your dog lick these popsicles will increase their hydration while giving them a nice cool treat. It’s important to not to let your dog bite these popsicles, as ice chunks can cause them to choke and even damage their teeth. Make sure the popsicles are large enough for your dog to lick like a lollipop.
Place multiple water bowls around the house
Dogs will drink more often if they have access to more water. You can increase your dog’s access to water by placing more than one water bowl throughout your home. It’s a good idea to have one water bowl in every living area that your dog prefers to be; for instance, if they have a dog bed in the living room and tend to hang out in there, place a water bowl somewhere in the living room. The more bowls, the better!
Try out a dog fountain
Some dogs do not like to drink from stationary water inside bowls and will instead prefer to drink from running water. If your dog tends to drink more often from running water sources, such as the faucet, bathtub or hose, then you should consider trying out a dog fountain. A dog fountain will provide your dog with an easily accessible source of running water.
Change your dog’s water more often
Water bowls are practically magnets for debris, and while some dogs might be happy to drink from water with bits and pieces floating in it, many dogs prefer pristine water. If your dog isn’t drinking enough water, try to change their water more often in order to encourage them to get more water throughout the way. If you can, use filtered water.
Hydration is important for a dog’s health, and dogs need to get enough water in order to stay healthy. Make sure you follow the above guidelines to help your dog drink more water throughout the day.
