Effective Tips to Encourage Your Dog to Drink More Wate

How Much Water Should Dogs Drink in a Day?

Dr. Steve Lansdowne's Research on Canine Water Intake

How much water does a dog need to drink daily to maintain normal metabolism? The Lansdowne Veterinary Clinic has provided the answer: 60ml of water per kilogram of body weight. Simply multiply your dog's weight by 60 to determine their daily water requirement.

For a 10kilogram Shiba Inu, that would mean a daily intake of 10 x 60 = 600ml of water, which is roughly equivalent to a medium bottle of CocaCola (500ml).

How Can You Tell If Your Dog Is Dehydrated?

Water deficiency or dehydration can be easily observed through physical signs on your dog. Let's take a look at some indicators:

Nose: A very dry nose is a sign of dehydration.

Gums: Wet gums indicate good health, while dry gums suggest dehydration.

Eyelids: Sunken, lackluster eyes can be a sign of dehydration.

Urine: Dark yellow urine with a strong odor is a sign of dehydration.

Neck Skin: If you pinch the skin on your dog's neck and it doesn't snap back quickly, it's a sign of dehydration.

Stool: Hard, nonformation stools that require excessive effort to pass are also a sign of dehydration.

What to Do If Your Dog Doesn't Like to Drink Water?

First, determine why your dog is not drinking water. Reasons may include fresh water quality issues, fear of drinking due to past negative experiences, insufficient exercise, a habit of drinking honey water from a young age, or a preference for flavored water over plain water. All these factors can contribute to a lack of water intake.

Once you understand the cause, here are four tips to help your dog overcome their 'water aversion':

Snack Temptation: Add your dog's favorite treats to the water to entice them, and offer affection and praise after they drink.

Live Water: Replace bowl water with running water and take your dog to the faucet often, as they tend to prefer the flow of fresh water.

Meat Broth Transition: Start with meat broth or freshsqueezed juice instead of plain water, then gradually mix in more water over time.

Fresh Foods: Feed your dog fresh meats, vegetables, and fruits to get moisture from natural sources.

Eating Fresh, Water Is No Longer a Burden

Longterm consumption of puff snacks, which feel like abrasive sandpaper and can irritate a dog's intestinal mucosa, can lead to insufficient water intake. Dogs with inadequate water intake find it very difficult to pass hard stools, which cannot be decomposed by rain. Therefore, owners need to encourage their dogs to drink enough water to relieve chronic thirst and prevent diseases.

Feeding fresh food offers a better solution. Fresh food is rich in moisture and vitamins, providing ample hydration during each enjoyable meal, making water consumption a breeze for your furry friend.