Essential hydration
Like humans, dogs need to stay well hydrated to lead a healthy life. Normally, we trust that they are the ones who come to their drinking fountain, although sometimes some health problems prevent it. Therefore we must pay attention to their habits, making sure that drink water regularly. If not, we will have to visit a veterinary clinic as soon as possible.
This problem can have its origin in different causes, which it is essential to identify in order to find a solution. One of the most frequent reasons is stress or anxiety, which will be accompanied by other symptoms such as loss of appetite, drowsiness, or isolation. In this case, we can resort to some tricks to encourage the animal to hydrate, such as placing water bowls in various corners of the house or offering it ice cubes to lick. It would also be advisable to consult a professional trainer. In addition, some dogs may fear the noise of the metal drinking fountain without rubber feet, feel insecure if there is competition for resources with another more dominant animal or reject strange drinking fountains When traveling, adjusting your equipment, location, and keeping it clean helps.
Some enfermedades also cause this disorder, which is usually serious. These include distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis, and rabies, among others. All of these require immediate veterinary attention, since in addition to other important symptoms, they can lead to extreme dehydration that worsens the problem and even causes the death of the animal. Gastrointestinal processes such as vomiting or diarrhea, urinary tract infections, renal disease o diabetes, which alter thirst and urination.
It is also likely that the dog suffers some type of toothache, tongue, or gums. It could be a wound, a sore, or another more serious dental problem. Common, for example, are infections, usually caused by a foreign object or piece of food. Sometimes medication is enough to relieve these conditions, while other times a minor surgical procedure is necessary. After a anesthesia or surgery It is normal for them to drink less for a few days after receiving fluids through an infusion; monitoring and offering fresh water frequently is key.
There is a simple trick to find out if our dog suffers dehydration. It involves gently pinching the skin between the shoulder blades and checking if it snaps back quickly. If it doesn't, you'll need to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. Additionally, press a point on the gum and release: it should return to pink color within 1–2 seconds; if it takes longer, dehydration could occur. Also note very dark urine, sunken eyes, dry gums or lethargy.
How much water does a dog need?
Consumption per kg
For reference, most dogs require between 50 and 100 ml of water per kg of weight daily. Factors such as feeding type (with dry food you will need to drink more; with wet food some of the water comes in the food), environmental temperatureThe level of exercise and size affect this figure. A 10 kg dog may need 600–1000 ml daily; on hot days or after intense activity, this demand increases.
Common reasons why a dog doesn't drink
Check the environment
- Drinking fountain and water: metallic noise, smelly material (plastic), noisy location or in passing, poor hygiene or excessively hot/cold water. Solution: bowl of steel or ceramic, rubber feet, quiet location and daily cleaning.
- Customs and environment: strange drinking fountain in travel, access restricted by dominance of another animal, presence of a bitch in heat that alters behavior, or Stress due to changes at home. Enrichment (walks and scent games) reduces anxiety.
- Dietary changes: With wet food They drink less; if you switch to dry food, it may take them several days to adjust their thirst.
- Health: oral pain, digestive, urinary, renal, endocrine or pathologies neurological (rare adipsia due to hypothalamic injury). After anesthesia, thirst may temporarily decrease.
- Other sources: the dog may be drinking from faucets, toilet or puddles; in addition to being unhygienic, it can hide the real intake.
Symptoms of dehydration and when to seek medical attention
Urgent attention
- Dry or sticky gums, dry snout and Hollow eyes.
- Loss of elasticity cutaneous, very concentrated or scanty urine.
- Lethargy, weakness, persistent vomiting or diarrhea.
If your dog has not drunk for more than 24 hours or shows any of the above signs, go to the vet. There they can administer intravenous or subcutaneous fluids, treat the cause, and monitor electrolytes. In serious infectious diseases (distemper, parvo, leptospirosis, rabies), early care is vital.
How to get him to drink more water
- Improve access: several water bowls at home, a quiet and shady place. Consider a source of water if you prefer moving water.
- Appetizing water: add a splash of unsalted broth or a pinch of dog pâté; also a touch of crushed blueberries may be tempting. Avoid onion, garlic, and salt.
- Integrate water into your diet: pour water over the food or offers wet food to increase total hydration.
- Temperature: fresh water and ice In summer, change the water frequently.
- Play and calm: Controlled water play and calm routines reduce stress. If there is a fear of the bowl, change its material and height.
Monitoring daily hydration, adapting your environment, and responding quickly to warning signs can help prevent complications. If in doubt, veterinary consultation is always the best option for your partner.
