What Causes a Dog to Not Drink Water? If you are a dog owner, you may have experienced complete confusion when your thirsty friend rushes over to his bowl of water and rises gulp after gulp.
This can be very distressing, making it even more painful to watch your dog not drink water.
If you notice that your dog’s water intake is reduced by almost nothing, you will start to worry.
Water is an important part of life for dogs, just as it is for humans. Dogs should eat one ounce per pound of body weight every day to make sure they are hydrated. This number doubles especially when hot or after strenuous exercise.
Your dog is more at risk for dehydration when he is hotter than you because he does not sweat.
Only the sweat glands on the dog were on his feet, and they were not enough to keep him cool.
The high risk factor for dehydration is their body cools down quickly. Water is crucial to keeping your dog cool, healthy and happy.
What Causes a Dog to Not Drink Water?Potential reasons
There are many reasons why your dog may not drink water.
Climate change
One reason your dog does not drink much water is a change in the environment. When the fall comes around, most dogs slow down their water intake, causing parents to panic.
They have a good chance of quenching their thirst due to the cold temperature.
This can also happen if your dog does not exercise much.
Without a high level of effort, they may not be so keen on slipping a gallon of water as soon as they reach their bowl.
This is completely normal until your dog stops drinking completely.
UNFAMILIAR or new places
If you are in an unfamiliar or new place, your dog will usually behave a little differently. They may not be alive and they may not normally eat or drink.
Dogs have very sensitive noses and if they smell an unfamiliar water source, their genetic makeup will tell them that it is not safe.
This is one of their survival strategies developed centuries ago.
If you go to an unfamiliar place, try to bring a bottle or bowl of water from home to make him more comfortable.
Health problems
There are also many health issues caused by your dog taking water. Bladder infections or urinary tract infections are the two main culprits in reducing thirst. It could also be diabetes or kidney disease.
Also Read: Antibiotic Treatment for Bacterial Infection in Dogs & Puppies
If you notice other symptoms such as lethargy and loss of appetite and feel something is wrong, it is important to call your veterinarian and discuss what is going on.
If your vet is not available and your dog needs immediate care, call an emergency vet immediately. Make sure your dog is keeping track of how much water he is drinking so he has an idea of what is going on.
Old age
As your dog gets older, he may start drinking less water. It may be due to making too much effort to move to another room or his thirst and appetite receptors start to decrease.
Older dogs do not exercise as much as young children and do not exert themselves as much.
Your dog should be expected not to drink too much water.
However, if you have an older dog, make sure they are drinking some water. At this point in their life, it may be a good idea to switch to wet food to allow them to take in some water that will not lap from the bowl.
Wound in their mouth
Another reason your dog may not drink water is an injury to his mouth. If you notice that he is not drinking check for cracks, plastic or stones in his mouth. This may be something you can easily remove or you may need the help of your vet.
Tooth loss
Damage to the teeth can be another reason for your dog not to drink water. Cold water pain on sensitive teeth can prevent him.
ANXIETY in DOGS
Anxiety is also a factor in your dog not drinking water. One of the children may go to college, there may be immediate family death or divorce.
In this case, your dog is experiencing severe separation anxiety. That kind of change really affects your dog mate and he may lose his desire to eat and drink.
It can also be a problem if you have recently moved into a new home. Your dog needs to get used to new surroundings, new smells and new sights.
It is as high for them as it is for us and ignoring his bowl of water can be a reaction.
How to help a dog that does not drink water?
Some tricks for your dog to eat water is to moisturize a little water in his dry food. You can also give your puppy ice for breakfast.
Dogs love the crunchy texture and no extra calories! Try a new bowl or a new place to keep the bowl entice him.
In addition to the tips above, you can also try giving your dog pediatrician, low sodium soup broth or juice from canned chicken / tuna.
If you do not get anywhere within 24 hours, it is a good idea to call your vet and discuss what is going on.
They can give additional advice. Your dog is completely dehydrated and you definitely don’t want to go as far as fluids need, so you should consult an emergency veterinarian if you can’t see your primary care veterinarian right away.