Keeping your dog hydrated sounds simple, but many pet parents worry when their dog won’t drink water—or drinks far less than expected. Proper hydration affects nearly every part of a dog’s body, from digestion and circulation to kidney health and temperature control. This guide explains how to get a dog to drink more water, why dogs sometimes avoid their water bowl, and when low water consumption becomes a health concern.
How Much Water Should a Dog Drink Per Day?
Understanding how much water dogs need is the first step to knowing whether there’s a real problem. A commonly used guideline from veterinary nutrition experts is:
Dogs need about one ounce of water per pound of body weight per day.
For example:
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A 10-pound dog needs roughly 10 ounces daily
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A 30-pound dog needs about 30 ounces
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A 60-pound dog may need around 60 ounces
This estimate comes from industry guidance such as Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s explanation of daily water intake for dogs.
That said, dog’s water intake varies based on several factors:
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Diet: Dogs eating wet food or canned food get much of their moisture from food. Dogs on mostly dry kibble must drink more water.
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Activity level: Active dogs and working breeds need more water.
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Weather: Hot weather increases water consumption.
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Age and health: An older dog or dogs with kidney disease may drink differently.
If your dog eats wet dog food, drinks cold water after walks, and urinates normally, a lower bowl intake may still be healthy.
Common Causes of Dog Won’t Drink
When a dog won’t drink water, it’s usually not stubbornness. A dog’s drinking habits are shaped by environment, diet, routine, and health. Understanding the cause helps you choose the right fix instead of guessing.
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Water isn’t fresh or smells bad: Dogs have a much stronger sense of smell than humans. If the water has been sitting too long, contains food crumbs, hair, or bacteria buildup, many dogs will avoid it. Dirty water or a slimy dog’s bowl is one of the most overlooked reasons for low water intake.
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The water bowl itself is a problem: Some dogs dislike plastic bowls because they trap odors. Others avoid bowls that are too deep, too narrow, or noisy when they move. A dog that bumps their collar or whiskers while drinking may simply stop trying.
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Poor bowl placement: A water bowl placed in a busy hallway, near loud appliances, or next to another dog’s food bowl can make a dog uncomfortable. In multi-dog homes, subtle guarding behavior may prevent one dog from drinking freely.
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Diet already provides moisture: Dogs eating wet food, canned food, or fresh dog’s food get a large portion of their daily water from meals. These dogs may drink less from their water bowl but still have normal water consumption overall.
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Reduced thirst due to weather or activity: During cooler months or periods of low activity, many dogs naturally feel less thirsty. On the other hand, hot weather and active dogs usually need as much water as possible.
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Stress, anxiety, or routine changes: Moving homes, travel, new pets, guests, or loud noises can disrupt a dog’s drinking habits. Stress often reduces thirst temporarily.
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Mouth pain or digestive discomfort: Dental disease, sore gums, nausea, or stomach upset can make drinking uncomfortable. Dogs with these issues may avoid water even when they need it.
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Underlying health issues: Conditions like urinary tract infections, kidney disease, fever, or other health problems can affect a dog’s water intake. If there is no obvious cause and your dog’s behavior changes, medical evaluation is important.
How to Tell if Your Dog Is Dehydrated
A dehydrated dog may not always look obviously sick at first. Learning early signs helps prevent severe dehydration.
Common signs include:
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Dry gums or sticky saliva
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Lethargy or low energy
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Reduced urination or dark urine
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Sunken eyes
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Loss of skin elasticity (skin doesn’t snap back quickly)
Some pet parents try the “skin tent” test, but veterinary researchers note it isn’t always reliable, especially in senior dogs or overweight dogs. A review published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research explains that dehydration assessment requires multiple signs, not one test alone.
12 Ways to Get Your Dog to Drink More Water
If your dog is otherwise healthy, these practical strategies can help increase hydration in safe, natural ways. You don’t need to try everything at once—small changes often make a big difference.
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Refresh the water frequently: Replace water at least twice a day. Fresh water smells better and is more appealing to most dogs, especially picky drinkers.
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Clean the dog’s bowl daily: Wash the water bowl with hot, soapy water to remove biofilm. Even invisible buildup can turn dogs away from drinking.
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Switch bowl material or shape: Try stainless steel or ceramic bowls instead of plastic. A wider bowl may feel more comfortable for dogs that dislike deep or narrow bowls.
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Offer multiple water bowls: Place multiple bowls in different locations where your dog spends time. Many dogs drink more when water is easy to access without walking far.
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Move water away from the food bowl: Some dogs prefer drinking in a separate area, away from food smells or competition.
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Serve cold water: Many dogs prefer cold water, especially after exercise or on a hot day. Cold water can feel more refreshing and encourage drinking.
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Add ice cubes for interest: Ice cubes make drinking more fun. Some dogs will chew the ice, then naturally drink more water afterward.
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Mix water into dry kibble: If your dog eats mostly dry kibble, adding water directly to food is one of the fastest ways to increase hydration. Start with small amounts and gradually add more.
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Incorporate wet food or canned food: Wet dog food contains much higher moisture than dry food and can significantly boost daily water intake without extra drinking.
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Add safe flavor to water: A small amount of bone broth (low sodium, no onion or garlic) can encourage dogs to drink more. Always keep plain fresh water available too.
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Use frozen treats for slow hydration: Frozen treats made from diluted broth or water provide hydration while keeping dogs engaged, especially during hot weather.
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Create a calm drinking environment: Anxious dogs drink more when water is placed in a quiet, familiar area. Pairing hydration with rest time can improve consistency.
When to Call the Vet
While many dogs simply need better hydration habits, some situations require veterinary care.
Contact your vet if:
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Your dog refuses water for 24 hours
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Low water intake comes with vomiting or diarrhea
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Your dog seems weak, painful, or confused
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There are signs of severe dehydration like sunken eyes or dry gums
How Do Vets Treat a Dog That’s Not Drinking Water?
At the clinic, vets focus on both hydration and the underlying cause.
First, they assess hydration using gum moisture, heart rate, weight changes, and blood tests. If needed, urine tests check kidney function and hydration status.
Treatment depends on severity:
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Mild cases: dietary changes, anti-nausea meds, oral hydration strategies
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Moderate cases: subcutaneous fluids
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Severe cases: IV fluids and monitoring
The American Animal Hospital Association’s Fluid Therapy Guidelines explain how veterinarians safely restore hydration and balance electrolytes.
FAQs
How to hydrate a dog that won't drink?
Add water to dry food, offer ice cubes, use wet food, and provide fresh water in multiple bowls. If refusal lasts more than a day, call your vet.
How can I increase my dog's water intake?
Use cold water, refresh bowls often, add safe flavors like bone broth, and place multiple water bowls around your home.
Should I be concerned if my dog doesn't drink a lot of water?
Not always. Dogs eating wet dog food may drink less. Be concerned if low intake comes with lethargy, vomiting, or dry gums.
What can hydrate a dog quickly?
Wet food, mixing water into meals, ice cubes, and veterinary fluids in severe cases hydrate dogs fastest.
Conclusion
Helping your dog drink more water is often about understanding their habits and environment. Start with fresh water, clean bowls, and easy access in different locations. Add moisture through your dog’s food, especially if they eat mostly dry kibble.
If your dog still won’t drink or shows signs of illness, don’t wait—your vet can create a safe treatment plan. With the right approach, most dogs stay hydrated, active, and healthy for years to come.
