Drinking water and keeping regularly hydrated is important for us as much as it is for our dogs. Water is known to be the most essential nutrient for survival, without which the lack of it can lead to death.
So how do you tell whether your dog is properly hydrated? They will have a moist nose and pink gums. Their coat health will be good and immunity strong. Sunken eyes and sticky gums on the other hand are a sign of a dehydrated dog.
Dog’s can stop drinking more water than they need to for plenty of reasons…
Health issues is the primary reason for why dogs might feel the desire to drink less water.
Any illness that makes a dog not feel well can decrease their thirst. This can range from gastrointestinal diseases, to a bladder infection, viral or bacterial infections to arthritis, bone injuries and more.
Stress and anxiety too can cause your dog to not feel like wanting to get up and drink water.
When there are many new people in the house, when you take them to a public place such as the park for the first time or any new travel location or environment, your pet will most likely feel apprehensive to drink his usual water intake till he calms down his nerves.
Changes in the water source can also be an issue for some dogs, they might be used to drinking filtered water from a specific source, but when that changes the dog might not be used to this new taste of water.
Changes in the weather can also make a dog feel like not wanting to drink water.
When it is too cold outside a dog might not want to drink water, just like us humans; for example- you don’t feel like drinking much water in cooler climates, till your body starts to show symptoms of thirst and dehydration.
Even with dogs who eat a lot of canned foods or cooked vegetables and meat they might not want to drink as much water, because their food itself has a high water content. Tinned foods contain around 70%-80% of water whereas dry kibble does not.
Dogs that are senior and towards the geriatric stage of their life and have severe joint and mobility issues might not want to drink as much water, as they simply can’t get to their water bowl.
This is why it is important as their owner to tend to them when they need it the most and give them the right portion of food and adequate amount of water throughout the course of the day.
If your dog suddenly stops drinking water you need to ask yourself what you think is causing them to not want to drink at all, if you cannot figure this out it is best that you visit a trusted veterinarian to figure out this change.
If you notice that your dog is visibly dehydrated do not try to treat the condition by yourself at home, and go to a professional as they will know how to correctly balance out the electrolytes in your dog’s body.
These are the early signs of dehydration in dogs:
1.Lethargy
2.Sunken eyes
3.Weakness in limbs
4.Dry gums
5.Decreased urine production
6.Loss of skin elasticity
7.Increased heart rate
In order to make sure that your dog drinks the right amount of water for their breed, height, and build make sure that you are leaving plenty of water bowls around the house during the day.
Giving your dog ice cubes during a summer day can make them get more water intake. Vegetables in the diet have plenty of nutrients and water content so be sure to incorporate lots of veggies instead of just meat or dry kibble alone.
Ensure that your dog always has fresh and clean water to drink.
A happy and hydrated dog is a healthy dog!
