Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Naming severe dehydration
• Part 2 of 3: Daily strategy
• Part 3 of 3: Placing the water bowl
• Tips
• Warnings

Healthy dogs are usually good at controlling their water intake, although this is less true for puppies and older dogs. Unless there are signs of serious health problems, your dog will most likely be getting enough water after making a few small adjustments to the water bowl and diet.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Naming severe dehydration

1. Look for signs of dehydration. Most healthy dogs are quite good at controlling their own water intake. Before you get too worried, watch for the following signs of ill health or dehydration:
   • Gently squeeze a fold of the dog's skin on the back of the neck or between the shoulder blades, then release. If the skin does not immediately spring back to its original position, your dog may be dehydrated.
   • Gently press your finger against your dog's gums until the color lightens, then lift your finger up again. If the gums don't immediately return to their original color, your dog may be dehydrated.
   • Other possible signs of dehydration include lethargy, loss of appetite or a change in the color of the dog's urine. These are not in themselves grounds for immediate concern unless they are severe or last for more than a day.
2. Know the risk factors. Life stages and medical problems can worsen the frequency and severity of the dehydration. Be on the safe side if some of the following apply to your dog:
   • Vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive panting or drooling can all cause dehydration if the dog doesn't compensate by drinking more water.
   • If your dog is diabetic, pregnant, feeding, very young or very old, take the dog to the vet at the first suspicion of dehydration.
3. Visit the vet. If the dog displays any of the above symptoms and refuses to drink water, see a vet as soon as possible. The vet can give the dog an IV of saline solution or an injection under the skin to quickly restore moisture to the dog.
   • A vet will also be able to test for medical problems that can cause dehydration, such as kidney stones. After diagnosis, the vet can prescribe medication or a special diet.
4. Give the dog moisturizing fluid. If your dog is showing signs of dehydration and you cannot go to a vet right away, prepare ORS Moisture Repair Solution according to the directions for use and give your dog about 240ml of the mixture every hour. ORS is available at drugstores and pharmacists.
   • Do not mix this with other ingredients as this could cause further harm to the dog.
   • There are other moisturizing solutions available, but it is recommended that you consult a veterinarian before using them.
   • Within the Netherlands you can find the nearest service pharmacy with this pharmacy finder.
5. Add flavor and electrolytes to the water. If you can't find ORS, add a little low-salt chicken stock or diluted carrot juice to the water. This can help replenish electrolytes lost through dehydration and make the water more attractive to your sick dog.
6. Use a syringe if necessary. If your sick dog refuses to drink completely, fill a plastic syringe without a needle with water and squirt it into your dog's mouth. Spray against his cheek or jaw, not directly into the throat, to avoid choking.

Part 2 of 3: Daily strategy

1. Exercise the dog. Dogs need daily exercise, such as a brisk walk or playing in a park or the backyard. If your dog is not getting enough exercise, he may lose little moisture through panting, and therefore not become as thirsty as a healthy active dog.
   • On long walks, take water with you and give the dog a drink about every ten minutes. This can help get the dog into the habit of drinking regularly at home as well.
2. Give the dog wet food. Wet food already contains a lot of water, normally indicated on the can as "% moisture content". Replace some or all of the dog's dry food with wet food. In addition, you can consult the label or the vet to determine how much food the dog needs.
   • Alternatively, you can soak dry food in a bowl of water for 30-60 minutes and feed it to the dog.
3. Make sure food is only available at set times. Feed your dog once or twice a day, according to your vet's recommendation or the label on the can of dog food. If food is always available, some dogs may mistake thirst for hunger.
4. Take the dog out to urinate as often as necessary. If your dog is stuck indoors for eight consecutive hours, he may avoid drinking water because he has learned that it causes an uncomfortably full bladder. Let your dog pee outside every time he whines at the door, or train him to use a litter box.

Part 3 of 3: Placing the water bowl

1. Give the dog constant access to water. In a multi-story house, place a water bowl on each floor for the dog to access. If the dog spends part of the day outside or confined in a room, put an extra bowl in those places.
   • Try to keep these "water holes" in a fixed place so that your dog knows where to find water.
   • A dog tied up outside may get tangled up with its chain or rope, preventing it from reaching the water bowl. If there is no alternative method instead of securing it, keep the area clear of obstructions and place the water bowl next to the pole.
2. Change the water regularly. Empty the water container daily and rinse out any contamination before refilling it. Clean the sides with a paper towel. Change the water whenever you see hair or debris floating in it, or when the water level starts to get low. In hot weather, you should check the tray every few hours.
3. Consider an animal drinking fountain. This drinking fountain with water bowl may be more appealing to dogs who prefer running water, or young puppies who are not used to drinking from a bowl. These drinking fountains are also easier to find for dogs with vision problems.
4. Add ice cubes on hot days. Many dogs prefer to drink cold water. Throw in some ice cubes. Do this while the dog is watching, and he may come over to examine it.
5. Make the water more exciting. If you don't want to buy a drinking fountain, try shaking the water bowl or moving a toy over it. Dropping blueberries or other small treats in the water can also convince a dog to drink while fishing them out.
   • If the dog is still not interested, try again after replacing the dog bowl with a regular bowl or bowl of a different shape or color.

Tips

• Do not leave your dog's water bowl in direct sunlight. Most dogs do not like warm water to drink.

Warnings

• When your dog finally starts to drink, after much persuasion, leave him alone while drinking rather than praise him. Too much attention can distract the dog from the water bowl.
• Do not let the dog drink from the toilet; this can be a source of pathogenic bacteria.