My dog ​​doesn't drink enough

Imagine you're out on a hot summer day. Your dog is happily running beside you, the sun is beating down on you, and you finally reach a fountain. You fill the bowl, but your dog just takes a quick sniff and moves on. You worry: Why isn't he drinking? And how dangerous is that?

It's not uncommon for dogs to not drink enough. But the consequences can be serious, from dehydration to organ problems. In this article, you'll learn why your dog might not be drinking enough, how you can help, and which tricks really work.

Why is drinking enough so important?

Water fulfills many vital functions in your dog's body. It regulates body temperature, aids digestion, and ensures that all organs function properly. A lack of fluid can result in fatigue, digestive problems, and, in the worst case, life-threatening conditions such as heatstroke.

A simple rule of thumb: A dog needs about 50 ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day. So, a 20 kg dog should drink about 1 liter of water. But what if it doesn't?

Causes: Why doesn’t your dog drink enough?

There are many reasons why a dog drinks little or not at all:

• No thirst: In cooler weather or when there is little exercise, the dog simply does not have a great need for fluids.
• Unclean water: Dogs are often picky when it comes to the taste or cleanliness of the water.
• Stress or anxiety: Changes in everyday life, such as moving or new surroundings, can influence drinking behavior.
• Health problems: Pain in the mouth, kidney disease or other illnesses can reduce the feeling of thirst.
• Unfamiliar bowl: A slippery or unpleasant-smelling bowl can also be a deterrent.

Tips: How to encourage your dog to drink

Of course, you always have to figure out how to properly interact with your four-legged friend yourself. Nevertheless, we'd like to share some tips to encourage your dog to drink:

• Offer fresh water : Change the water regularly. Some dogs prefer it cold, others room temperature.
• Choose the right bowl : Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are often better than plastic because they do not give off unpleasant odors.
• Change location : Provide water in different places around the house so your dog always has access.
• Tasty water : Add a few drops of unseasoned broth (e.g. chicken broth without salt) to the water to make it more attractive.
• Include exercise : After an active game, thirst increases.
• Integrate toys : There are special water dispenser toys that motivate the dog to drink.

Absorb fluids through food

If your dog does not drink enough despite all your efforts, you can increase the fluid intake through food:

• Wet food instead of dry food : Wet food contains up to 80% water.
• Add water to dry food : Soaking can work wonders, especially for older dogs.
• Watermelon & Cucumber : These contain a lot of water and are a great refreshment in summer (in moderation and without seeds).
• Homemade broth : Make sure it is prepared unsalted and without onions or garlic.

A quick but important reminder: When it comes to nutritional supplements, we at Tradidog are your most important partner. Feel free to check out our products and do something good for your dog!

Conclusion

Your dog depends on you for his health. Healthy drinking habits contribute significantly to his well-being. Often, simple tricks like making the water more palatable or choosing a different bowl are enough to solve the problem. You can also do a lot through food to ensure your dog gets enough fluids.

But it's equally important to remain patient and observe your dog. Every dog ​​has unique preferences and needs. Sometimes it takes time for a new strategy to take effect. It's important to focus on long-term health. If you're unsure or suspect health problems, don't hesitate to seek veterinary advice.

With the right adjustments and a little patience, you can ensure your dog stays healthy, happy, and well-hydrated. Because a happy, healthy dog ​​is your greatest joy, too! 🐶✨

Below is a video on the topic and our well-known Tradidog motto. We raise our mugs and bowls and say cheers!

Tradidog motto: Turn the little stinker into a big drinker!