How Can You Make a Dog Drink More Water? | Hydration Help

You fill the bowl every morning, but those few laps your dog takes seem barely enough to wet their tongue. It’s easy to assume they’ll drink when thirsty, yet many dogs don’t self-regulate as well as we expect—especially on dry kibble or hot days.

The good news is you don’t need to force-feed water. Small changes to how and what you offer can nudge your dog toward better hydration without stress. Below are vet‑backed strategies to try at home.

Why Hydration Matters for Your Dog

Water keeps everything running—joints lubricated, organs filtering, body temperature stable. Even mild dehydration can make a dog sluggish, cause constipation, and concentrate urine, raising the risk of bladder crystals or stones.

Dogs lose water through panting, urination, and evaporation from their paws. On warm days or after exercise, that loss adds up fast. A general guideline is about one ounce of water per pound of body weight each day, though active or nursing dogs may need more.

When a dog consistently drinks less than that, subtle dehydration can set in before you notice obvious signs like dry gums or loss of skin elasticity.

Common Reasons Dogs Turn Up Their Nose at Water

You might blame stubbornness, but often the cause is simpler. Understanding why helps you pick the right fix.

• Bowl location or cleanliness: Bowls placed near food or in high‑traffic areas may feel “dirty” to a dog. Some dislike plastic bowls that hold odors. Wash bowls daily with soap and water.
• Water temperature: Many dogs prefer cool, fresh water over lukewarm or stale water left sitting for hours. Ice cubes can make it more enticing on warm days.
• Texture or flavor: Plain water has no taste. Dogs accustomed to wet food or treats may find plain water boring. A slight flavor boost can spark interest.
• Health issues: Dental pain, nausea, kidney disease, or urinary tract infections can reduce thirst. If your dog suddenly drinks much less or much more, a vet check is wise.

Once you’ve ruled out health problems, the next step is making water feel like a treat rather than a chore.

Simple Tricks to Encourage Drinking

Veterinary behaviorists at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine recommend one of the easiest approaches: add a teaspoon of low‑sodium meat or vegetable broth per cup of water. The flavored water for dogs technique works because the familiar taste masks the plainness while keeping added sodium low.

If broth isn’t handy, a spoonful of your dog’s favorite canned food stirred into the water does the same trick. Offer this flavored water alongside a plain bowl so your dog can choose—some days they’ll drink both.

Many dogs also respond well to movement. A pet water fountain with a circulating stream mimics a natural water source and keeps the water oxygenated and cool, which some dogs find irresistible.

Rotate methods every few days to keep your dog interested. If a particular trick stops working, try another from the list.

When to Try Moisture-Rich Foods

Dry kibble contains about 10% moisture, while wet food hovers around 78%. For dogs who eat mostly kibble, adding moisture directly to meals can make a significant difference in total water intake.

1. Soak kibble in warm water: Add equal parts water and let it sit for 10–15 minutes until the kibble softens. This releases flavor into the water and makes the meal more hydrating.
2. Mix canned food into dry food: A tablespoon of wet food stirred into kibble not only adds moisture but also makes the meal more palatable. Many dogs finish the entire bowl, including the liquid.
3. Transition gradually to wet food: If your dog tolerates it, replacing one meal per week with wet food (or a fresh‑food diet) can steadily boost hydration without upsetting digestion.

These strategies are especially helpful for senior dogs or those with kidney concerns, where consistent fluid intake is important. Always adjust portion sizes to avoid overfeeding.

What to Avoid When Adding Flavor

Not every “people food” additive is safe for dogs. Onions, garlic, and high‑sodium broths can cause red blood cell damage or sodium ion poisoning. Stick to low‑sodium, onion‑free broths—preferably plain meat broth or bone broth without seasoning.

One source recommends bone broth for hydration on hot days, but choose a variety specifically made for dogs—or make your own by simmering bones without salt and straining out any small fragments.

Never add sugar, artificial sweeteners (especially xylitol), or dairy, which can upset sensitive stomachs. If you’re unsure about an ingredient, ask your veterinarian before adding it to your dog’s water or food.

The Bottom Line

Getting a picky drinker to swallow more water doesn’t require force. Small tweaks—flavored water, moistened meals, or a moving water source—often solve the problem within a few days. Pay attention to how much your dog drinks after exercise and during hot weather, and adjust accordingly.

If your dog shows signs of dehydration (sunken eyes, tacky gums, lethargy) despite your best efforts, a veterinarian can check for underlying issues like kidney disease or dental pain and tailor hydration strategies to your dog’s age and weight.