My dog doesn't drink enough: what can I do?

Causes: Why isn't my dog drinking?

There are many different reasons why your dog might not be drinking enough. Some common causes are:

• Change of food: When switching from dry food to wet food, the visible fluid intake may decrease, as wet food already contains a lot of water.
• Diseases: Diseases such as gastrointestinal problems, infections or kidney disease can affect drinking behavior, as can certain medications.
• Dental problems: pain in the mouth, such as with gingivitis, often makes drinking uncomfortable.
• After vaccinations or surgery: After a vaccination or anesthesia, many dogs drink less temporarily, but this quickly settles down again.
• Stress: Changes in the environment, such as a move, new family members or a female dog in heat in the neighborhood, can cause your dog to drink less.
• Bowl problems: Perhaps the water is in an inappropriate place or an unclean drinking bowl prevents your dog from drinking. The temperature of the water can also play a role, as can the material of the bowl.

Knowing the causes will help you to better understand your dog's drinking behavior and act accordingly.

Does your dog drink little but pee a lot?

This may sound contradictory at first, but it does happen. Pay attention to how he pees: If it is often very small amounts, it may be due to irritation of the urinary tract. If there are large puddles, he may be drinking more unnoticed (e.g. through wet food) or is on medication that increases the amount of urine. It is best to measure the water intake for 24 hours using a measuring cup and include the water in the food. Also observe whether he is in pain, restless or has blood in his urine. If this remains conspicuous or if such warning signs occur, please have it checked by a vet.

Recognizing symptoms of dehydration

Dehydration can be dangerous for your dog, so it is important to recognize the symptoms early on. A first sign of dehydration is dry mucous membranes - they should normally be moist and slightly shiny. A simple test is to press your finger on your dog's gums for one or two seconds: If the light area doesn't turn pink again within two seconds, there could be a lack of fluid.

The skin fold test also provides information. Here you pull up the skin over the shoulder blades - if it takes an unusually long time to retract, this is a clear warning signal. Please note that this test is not as reliable in very young, old and overweight dogs.

Concentrated urine can also indicate that your dog has not drunk enough. In addition to these physical signs, a dehydrated dog often appears apathetic and listless. If the lack of water remains untreated, this can lead to serious organ damage in the worst case.

Possible consequences if the dog drinks too little

A lack of fluids can have serious health consequences for your four-legged friend. If your dog doesn't drink enough, this puts a strain on the kidneys and can lead to kidney problems in the long term - especially in older dogs. Your furry friend's circulation can also suffer from a lack of water: Water is essential for regulating body temperature. Too little fluid can lead to circulatory problems and, in extreme cases, heat stroke. It also increases the risk of urinary stones, bladder infections and constipation, as the body is less able to excrete waste products.

How much should dogs drink?

The amount of water a dog needs each day depends on various factors, including size, activity level, diet and health status. In general, a dog should drink around 50 to 70 milliliters of water per kilogram of body weight per day. A 10 kg dog should therefore drink around 500 to 700 milliliters of water per day. Important: The total amount also includes the water in the food. Wet food usually contains around 70 to 80% water.

Puppies have a higher water requirement than adult dogs, as they need more energy and nutrients for their growth. Older dogs also often drink more when their kidney function declines.

Does my dog need more fluids in hot weather?

Dogs cannot regulate their body temperature as efficiently as humans and therefore dehydrate more quickly in high temperatures. If your dog drinks little in the heat, you should look out for the signs of dehydration and take action early.

During the summer months and during intense physical activity, your furry friend should have regular access to fresh water. You should also make sure that your dog does not overheat indoors and always has a sufficient amount of water available.

Tips to help your dog drink more

If your dog doesn't drink enough, you can use our tips and tricks to encourage them to drink more liquid:

• Mix water into their food: Especially with dry food , you can increase water intake by soaking it. But wet food can also be enriched with additional liquid.
• Make water more flavorful: Cooking water from unseasoned vegetables or a few pieces of fruit can make the water more appealing.
• Place multiple water bowls: Spread out bowls in different locations so your dog always has easy access to water.
• Choosing the right bowl: Some dogs prefer stainless steel or ceramic bowls - try different materials.
• Use drinking fountains: Running water can make dogs curious and motivate them to drink.
• Always have water with you when out and about: It is important to offer water regularly, especially during exercise or in hot weather.
• Consider changing their food: Wet food contains more moisture than dry food and can help to improve fluid balance.
• Dog ice cream & smoothies: In summer, you can offer your four-legged friend homemade dog ice cream or smoothies . This not only provides refreshment, but also additional liquid.

If your dog continues to drink too little despite these tips, you should observe the behavior and have it checked by a vet if necessary.