Picky Drinkers: How to Get Your Dog to Drink Water
What Is a picky drinker?
Is your dog turning up their nose at the water bowl? You’re not alone. Some dogs simply aren’t enthusiastic drinkers. That said, proper hydration supports nearly every part of their health, from digestion and circulation to energy and recovery. Your dog needs to drink, so what do you do?
Luckily, a few simple changes can make water much more appealing. From refreshing their bowl to adding dog-friendly chicken or beef broth flavor with LYX, here’s how to encourage more sipping and help your pup stay happily hydrated.
How much water does my dog need?
As a general starting point, dogs need approximately one ounce of water per pound of body weight each day. That means a 50-pound dog may need around 50 ounces of water. However with hydration there are few one-size-fits-all answers.
Your dog may need more water if they:
- Exercise frequently
- Spend time in hot or dry weather
- Eat primarily dry kibble
- Are pregnant or nursing
- Are recovering from activity, travel or illness
- Are a puppy, senior or managing a health condition
Dogs that eat wet food may drink less from their bowls because they receive more moisture through their meals. The best approach is to learn what’s normal for your dog and pay attention to noticeable changes.
How to Encourage Your Dog to Drink More Water
Getting your dog to drink more doesn’t have to feel like pulling teeth or chasing tails. A few easy adjustments can make their water bowl much more enticing.
Keep Their Water Fresh and Clean
Would you want to drink warm water from a slimy glass? Your dog probably doesn’t either.Wash your dog’s bowl daily and replace the water frequently. Hair, food, saliva and outdoor debris can quickly affect how the water smells and tastes.
Stainless-steel and ceramic bowls are often easier to keep clean than plastic, which can hold onto scratches and odors. If your dog seems sensitive to tap water, you can also experiment with filtered water.
Place Multiple Water Bowls Around the House
Make every room a hydration station. Place water bowls near the areas where your dog spends the most time, such as their bed, feeding area, play space or favorite sunny spot. If you have multiple floors, keep at least one bowl on each level.
If your dog avoids a particular bowl, try changing its material, size, height or location. Sometimes the bowl itself—or even the sound of a collar tag hitting it—can be the issue.
Add Dog-Friendly Flavor
For reluctant drinkers, flavor can turn a boring bowl into something worth lapping up. LYX offers an easy option. Our dog hydration mix combines craveable chicken or beef flavor with dog-friendly electrolytes to encourage your pup to drink more. Simply mix it with water and let the big sips begin.