Dr. Satish

Offer several bowls of water throughout the house. Basically almost every room has a water bowl in it so they don’t have to go far to get a drink.

Offer a variety of bowls. Some dogs like to drink from ceramic bowls, some stainless steel bowls and some plastic or glass bowls. Keep a variety of bowls in the house or stick to one style that you know your dog likes. If your dog doesn’t drink a lot of water try switching the bowl.

Make the water easily accessible. If you have a senior dog maybe it hurts for them to bend down and grab a drink.  An elevated bowl might be more comfortable for them. It’s suggested that a dog or cat’s bowl be raised to a level above the wrist and below the elbow. At this height less stress is put on the muscles, ligaments, tendons, vertebrae, and intervertebral discs of the neck because the head remains at a normal level instead of having to stretch to the ground to lap water or grasp food and then lift back up to swallow. You can do this without buying an expensive product. Check out this elevated dog dish made from a planter. 

Add water to your dog’s food or add canned food to their diet. If you don’t think your dog is getting enough water on their own try helping them out by adding it for them. Can food is normally made up of 70-80% moisture. Dry food contains about 10% moisture.

Add some flavoring to their water. Low sodium chicken broth (minus onions) or bone broth added to plain water may entice your dog to drink more. Does your dog like cucumbers? Try some of those!

Make sure the water and the bowls are clean. Do you  drink dirty, warm water? Why should your dog?  Changing the water frequently throughout the day will keep the water fresher, cooler and healthier. Make sure your washing the water bowl regularly also. Slime build ups on the bowl over time and can contain harmful bacteria.

Offer ice cubes. Ice cubes can be a great summer treat for dog and there’s no harm in them.  You can even add some dog safe fruit to them for an extra special treat or mix some water with low sodium chicken broth of bone broth. The Honest Kitchen makes product called Ice Pups that you combine with water and serve to your dog warm or cold or you can get some Freezy Pups and make some healthy frozen treats. You can even make a flavored ice bowl. 

Invest in a pet fountain. Most dogs love drinking moving water so give it to them! A big plus is you’ll be changing the water less frequent and it’s filtered water! That’s a win for everyone.

Make sure you’re bringing water with you on outings. Cold water. With ice.There are several different types of products out on the market today that this shouldn’t be an issue. Traveling water bowls, water cups, water bottles…etc. Don’t want to buy one of those? Bring along a water jug. I fill half with water and half with ice and it stays nice and cool for a long time!

*Bonus tip-If you have a bigger dog, fill up a bucket full of water and add some ice cubes or frozen fruit and let them go bobbin for some fat free healthy treats! If you have a smaller dog, try a pail!