How To Get a Dog To Drink Water

There are four key health requirements for every pooch: tons of cuddles, plenty of exercise, tasty and nutritious dog food, and enough water to keep them hydrated. When it comes to water consumption, though, it can be tricky to know whether your pup’s getting the right amount. And in the event they aren’t drinking enough H₂O, it’s important to troubleshoot the reasons why so you can remedy the issue.

In addition to ensuring hydration, water helps your dog regulate their body temperature, assists in nutrient absorption, fosters joint and muscle health, and even aids in urinary and digestive health. Below, we cover common reasons why your furry friend may seem water-shy, how much water dogs should drink, and practical, vet-approved ways to increase your dog’s water intake.

How Much Water Should My Dog Be Drinking?

Generally speaking, a dog needs 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day, says veterinarian Gavin Casper, DVM, managing director at FurPetVo in Weston, Florida. “So, a five-pound dog should drink 5 ounces, a 50-pound dog should drink 50 ounces, and a 100-pound dog should drink 100 ounces,” he explains.

This amount may differ slightly based on:

Your dog’s activity level
Your dog’s diet
How much time they’ve spent outside
Whether it’s a hot day

If your dog eats wet food, tends to lounge around more, or the temperature’s cool, they may not need as much water. Conversely, if you’re working with a high-energy pooch, hot temps, or mostly dry kibble, then your dog may need more water.

How To Tell How Much Water Your Dog's Drinking

The best way to determine how much water your dog’s drinking is to monitor their water bowl or water fountain. Measure how much water you put into the bowl in the morning, allow them to drink freely throughout the day (refill as needed), then measure how much water is left at night. If you refill your dog’s bowl during the day, remember to take that into account by measuring each refill. This will give you a good approximation of your dog’s water intake.

A clean, stainless steel dog water bowl filled with fresh water, placed on a kitchen counter beside a measuring cup

Why Isn't My Dog Drinking Water?

If you notice your pup doesn’t head to their water bowl very often, consider these common reasons:

Stale or gross water: Dirty water isn’t very appetizing. Make sure your pup has access to a clean water source and that you refresh their bowl each day. “If a water bowl is not clean or the water has an odor or taste that is unappealing, they can be reluctant to drink,” notes Paige Baker, DVM and regional medical director of FurPetVo in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Bad location: If your dog’s water bowl is in a noisy or high-traffic area of your home, they may not drink as much as they should, notes Heather Berst, DVM, a veterinarian with FurPetVo in Asheville, North Carolina. “Also, another dog in the household may be preventing the dog from drinking,” she adds.
Injury: An injury to the mouth or jaw—or dental issues—can discourage a dog from drinking. Also, if your pup struggles with mobility and the water dish is far away, they may prefer to stay put rather than walk all the way to their water source.
Health issues: “A change in water consumption can mean there is something else going on with your dog,” says Dr. Berst. “Your best bet is to speak with your veterinarian about whether your dog is drinking enough—and if there are changes in the amount they’re drinking.”
Canned dog food diet: Dogs who eat canned wet food may not be as thirsty as those who eat dry food, since they’re getting water through their meals. Switching from dry food to wet food can cause a noticeable shift in drinking behavior from the start.