Healthy dogs know how to manage their water needs, but this is not always the case for puppies or older dogs. If your faithful friend is healthy and has no serious health problems, a few small changes to the position of the water bowl or his diet will be enough to get him to drink the amount of water he needs.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Coping with Severe Dehydration
Step 1. Check for signs of dehydration
Most healthy dogs can manage their need for water. Before you get alarmed, check for signs of illness or dehydration:
- Gently pinch a fold of skin behind your dog's neck or between the shoulder blades and let it go - if it doesn't return to its original position right away, the pet may be dehydrated.
- Gently press a finger against your dog's gums making them lighten, then remove your finger. If they do not immediately return to their original color, the dog may be dehydrated.
- Lethargy, loss of appetite, a change in the amount or color of your dog's urine could be further signs of dehydration. By themselves they are not a cause for concern unless they are serious or last for more than a day.
Step 2. Know the risk factors
Certain life stages or health problems can lead to an increase in the frequency and severity of dehydration. It is worth taking extra care if your dog exhibits any of the following symptoms:
- Vomiting, diarrhea, salivation or excessive panting can cause dehydration if the dog does not drink more water to compensate for these complaints.
- If your dog is diabetic, pregnant or nursing, if he is very young or very old, take him to the vet at the first signs of dehydration.
Step 3. Get him checked out by a vet
If your four-legged friend shows the symptoms described above and refuses water, take him to a vet right away. Your doctor will be able to restore your hydration level quickly by giving you a saline solution or a subcutaneous injection of fluids.
The vet may also have him undergo medical tests to check the cause of the dehydration, such as kidney stones. After being diagnosed, he may be prescribed drugs or a particular diet
Step 4. Give your dog some rehydrating fluids
In case you show symptoms of dehydration and you can't get him to a vet right away, dilute a salt and water supplement - such as Pedialyte - in equal amounts of water and have him drink 1 cup (about 240ml) every hour. You can find Pedialyte at the pharmacy.
- Do not add any other ingredients to the moisturizer, as this could cause further damage.
- While there are other rehydrating fluids on the market, you should check with your vet about their safety before giving them to your dog if possible.
- Search online to locate the nearest pharmacy where you can buy this product.
Step 5. Add flavorings and electrolytes to the water
If you can't find Pedialyte, add some lightly salted chicken broth or diluted carrot juice to the water. This will make it more palatable and help the dog replenish lost electrolytes.
Step 6. Use a syringe if needed
If your faithful sick friend refuses to drink completely, take a plastic syringe without the needle, fill it with water and spray it in his mouth, being careful to direct the jet towards the cheek and not directly into the throat, so as not to risk suffocating it..
Part 2 of 3: Daily Strategies
Step 1. Get your dog to train
Dogs need to be active every day, with brisk walks or playing in the park or yard. If he does not exercise enough, he will not lose a lot of moisture by panting and therefore will never be as thirsty as an active and healthy dog.
On long walks, bring water with you and offer it to your dog every ten minutes or so. This will promote the habit of drinking regularly even at home
Step 2. Feed it with wet food
In this type of food there is already a large amount of water: the percentage of moisture contained is indicated on the cans. Replace all or part of your dog's dry food with wet food, checking the label or following your vet's recommendations to determine the portions he needs.
Alternatively, you can soak the dry food in a bowl of water for 30-60 minutes before feeding it
Step 3. Make sure that food is only available during meals
Feed your dog once or twice a day, according to your vet's directions or pet food label. Some dogs can confuse thirst with hunger if they always have food available.
Step 4. Take him out to pee whenever necessary
If your dog is housebound for more than eight hours, he may avoid drinking because a full bladder causes him discomfort. Let him go out to pee if you hear him moan at the door or teach him to use a litter box in the house.
Part 3 of 3: Prepare the Bowl of Water
Step 1. Make sure your dog always has water available
If you live in a multi-story house, place a bowl of water on each floor that the dog has access to. Whether he spends part of the day outdoors or is locked in a room, be sure to place a bowl of water in these places as well.
- Try to keep these "water stations" in the same place all the time so your dog knows where to find them.
- A dog tied outside may twist the rope or chain and be unable to reach the water bowl. If you can't help but keep it tied up, make sure the area is clear of obstructions and place the bowl near the stake.
Step 2. Change the water often
Empty the water bowl every day and rinse it well before refilling it; then clean the edges with a paper towel. Change the water whenever you notice hair or dirt in the bowl or when the level is very low. During hot weather, remember to check the bowl every two hours.
Step 3. Consider purchasing a pet fountain
They are the size of a bowl and can be more inviting for dogs who prefer running water or for puppies who are not yet used to drinking from the bowl. Also, dogs with vision problems are able to spot them more easily.
Step 4. Add some ice cubes on hot days
Many dogs prefer to drink cold water. Throw a couple of cubes into the bowl while the dog is looking at you, he will come to see what you are doing.
Step 5. Make the water more palatable
If you can't purchase a drinking fountain, try waving a toy over the bowl or shaking it. Dropping blueberries or other treats into the water can persuade him to drink it while he retrieves them.
If he's still not interested, you can try replacing his bowl with a regular cup or a bowl of a different shape and color
Advice
Don't leave the dog bowl in the sun: Most dogs don't like to drink hot water
Warnings
- When your dog finally starts drinking, leave him alone and don't praise him. Too much attention can distract him from the water bowl.
- Do not allow the dog to drink from the toilet: the bacteria could cause disease.
