How to trick your dog into drinking water?

Just like humans, dogs need to drink water to keep their bodies hydrated. Water serves many crucial functions for the dog’s body, such as removing waste, assisting in proper digestion, and promoting good urinary tract health. He needs even more water if he is an active kind of creature or suffering from a health problem. So your best friend must stay hydrated to maintain good health or to combat certain health issues.

Let’s learn some reasons why your dog might not be drinking enough water and how you can trick your dog into drinking water.

How much water does a dog need on a daily basis?

A general rule of thumb is that a dog needs one ounce of water per pound of its body weight. However, it varies in different sets of conditions. Like in cold weather your canine pal may not like to lick water more often. While an active puppy pal or lactating female dog needs more water intake daily.

Why is my dog not drinking enough water?

It could be for any number of reasons. Some of them I am mentioning here.

• Lack of physical activity is the most common refusal cause of your dog for drinking water and there is no cause for concern in this case.
• Change of location can cause changes in your pet’s behavior due to smell differences in a new place. 
• As your dog is getting older, he simply does not need as much water as he does not get much exercise.
• Finally, illness can cause your dog to stop drinking water such as kidney disease, urinary tract infection, or diabetes.

In any of these cases, it’s important to keep them hydrated by knowing several different ways to trick your dog into drinking a lot of water. 

Ways to trick your dog into drinking water

Add flavors to your dog’s water

Meaty flavors and aromas are more tempting to your pup. So add 1 to 3 teaspoons of low-sodium beef or chicken broth to the dog’s water. It is an excellent trick to encourage your dog to drink water. Try making a homemade bone broth for this trick. Avoid adding onion or garlic to the broth, as they can be an unhealthy addition for your friend. You can also use lactose-free milk in dog water to add different flavorings.

Drop ice cubes into their water

Dogs like cold water more inviting than room-temperature water. To do so, simply drop ice cubes into the dog’s water to trick your dog into dir king water 

Handed out them with ice cubes to lick

A novel food-related trick that works well for dogs is to give them ice cubes to chew on. To add variety you can make ice cubes using broth or a mixture of peanut butter powder and water. You can also give him popsicles to boost his hydration levels. 

Giving a reward for drinking water is a decent trick

Give them a treat as they drink water. You don’t have to do this forever, but it could be a way to set up a routine of water intake. A dog responds well to positive reinforcement. A head pat, belly rub, or verbal applause like a good boy/girl could also do the perfect trick.

Keep your dog’s water bowl clean.

Like us, dogs also don’t like to drink water in smelly or dirty bowls. So keep their containers clean to stimulate them for drinking water. It’s best to wash their bowls on a daily basis and fill them with fresh water. On hot days, you can use cold water to fill your pal’s water containers.

Play tricks with your dog by altering the place of their water bowl.

One of the best tricks that work for many dogs is to place water near their food, bed, or other close areas where it is clearly visible to them. A constant change in location can make the water bowl appear new and exciting for your canine pal. You can also place a water bowl near their home to encourage their drinking habit and to trick your dog into drinking water.

Increase the number of water bowls.

Put multiple water bowls in different areas they frequently visit. As they won’t drink water if it’s not in their accessible range. So it’s perfect to give your pup options by putting water bowls in all of their favorite parts of the house.

Use a new water bowl with a different size

If you are using the wrong size bowl for your dog this may create problems while he is trying to drink water. For example, the dog bowl may skid across the floor, if the animal is too large for it. Replace the bowl with one of a different size. A bowl should be large enough that your dog can comfortably open and close it while drinking water. It might take a few attempts to find the right size for your pet.

Purchase a new water bowl if it’s old

An old water container has collected unappetizing bacteria over time that stick to the base and make the water unhealthy for your dog’s sensitive tummy.  Purchase a new one and stick to stainless steel or ceramic material. Since plastic bowls can be chewed on and develop bacteria.

Carry clean water around.

Like humans, some dogs are picky about sharing water with other dogs while others like to drink only from the home’s water bowl which has a familiar smell. Some dogs let you pour it into their mouth, while others might prefer a bowl from home.

This is a noble way to trick your canine pal into drinking water to carry a water bowl and water that’s from home when you are going for a long walk.

Offer your dog water from your cupped hands

Simply, scoop water into your hands and brings it close to their mouth, and allow them to lap it up. This method can also be used to bring water to a sick or otherwise immobile pup. After some days, your dog may come to enjoy drinking water on their own.

Install a pet fountain to trick your dog into drinking water

Many animals like garden hose water to lick and drink running water from fountains. By using a water fountain, you may find he is much more willing to drink water. Additionally, this also prevents bacterial growth in water.

Moisturize dog’s food with water

To do so, simply pour a cup of water into the food bowl at mealtime. Start with a low quantity of water (1/4 cup), to make your dog become used to it. Slowly your dogs have no issue eating dry kibble floating in the water. If your dogs refuse to eat watery food, try another trick. Add a low sodium broth or low lactose milk to the dry kibble, instead of water.

Switch to wet dog food.

It’s best to start by mixing dry kibble in wet dog food and then slowly switch to only wet food. If your dog seems to be really attached to its food, make wet food at home by soaking your dog’s favorite dry kibble in water and letting it absorb. Nothing else. Your canine pal’s wet food is ready. Simply feed your dog.

If your dog keeps on denying all these tricks, it means he may have a food allergy or sensitive digestion and will benefit from a specialized diet like wet canned dog food. Sensitive digestion wet dog food is made with tummy-friendly ingredients that can often help avoid allergic reactions and are perfect to trick your dog into the water. Work with your vet to determine the best-wet dog food for your gal’s sensitive tummy.

Feed your dog fruits and veggies.

Fruits and vegetables are sanitized and biological packets of water without any harmful ingredients. So adding them to your pal’s kibble is safe. You can choose watermelon, strawberries, spinach, or frozen blueberries to trick your dog into drinking water.

Takeaway

If your dog is refusing water consistently then being a good owner it’s your responsibility to look for the signs of dehydration in your dog and try to trick him into drinking water by using the above-mentioned ways. Some of the signs of dehydration are

• Loss of skin elasticity
• Vomiting with or without diarrhea
• Panting
• Reduced energy levels
• Sunken and dry-looking eyes
• Dry nose and gums.

If your dog is not drinking water after you play tricks on him, take him to the vet without much delay. Because these signs can become life-threatening. And you will not like this at all!!