Dog Not Drinking Water: Is It Something Serious?

Dogs often regulate their water intake. However, you might notice your dog not drinking water as frequently as they should. You might notice there is something off with your fur baby. 

But when you notice that they have stopped drinking water, it is something to worry about. They need water to maintain their overall health. They can get ill if they are not drinking enough water. 

However, it might help if you know the reasons why they stopped drinking water, and look out for the signs of dehydration. 

Understanding Water Consumption In Dogs

The daily water consumption of a dog depends on a lot of factors like their activity level, diet and their overall health. However, according to the standard guideline, a dog needs one ounce of water for every pound of their body weight. 

However, circumstances might differ. If your dog is exercising a lot, on a hot day, they would want a lot more water than this. Also, if a dog has some underlying condition, like Cushing’s disease they need a larger amount of water than the normal amount.  

Water consumption is necessary for maintain a balance in their bodilu fluid, flush the toxins out and regulate the body temperature. Moreover, if plays an important role in maintaining kidney health, their skin and coat.  

You need to monitor their water intake. If you refill their bowl every morning, and see it is untouched in the evening, you need to take things seriously. It is important to look out fo any signs of dehydration. 

Signs Of Dehydration 

There are various signs and symptoms that you will notice in dogs when they are suffering from dehydration. Here are some of those mentioned: 

• Weak pulse 

• Low activity level and lethargy 

• Dry gums 

• Dry nose 

• Reduced appetite 

• Excessive panting 

• Dark urine 

• Sunken eyes 

• Loss of skin elasticity 

If you notice any of these signs, you need to take things seriously and encourage them to drink more. Try another bowl of fresh water or some ice cubes. If nothing happens, you need to take them to a veterinarian immediately. 

Dog Not Drinking Water: What Are The Probable Reasons?

Dog not drinking water can turn out to be a serious condition. And there could be various reasons behind this. Some of those are mentioned here. 

1. Dental Disease 

When your dog is experiencing pain in their gums or teeth, they might not want to drink or eat anything. Moreover, the temperature of the water also plays a role. If they have teeth sensitivity, the temperature of the water might cause them pain. 

2. Diet 

In comparison to dry kibble, canned food contains a lot more water. So, if you are giving your dog canned food, they might not want to drink as much water as any other dog who is eating dry kibble.  

3. Gastroenteritis 

When a dog has an upset stomach, or any kind of gastrointestinal issues, they often refuse to drink water. This can be because of nausea, dietary indiscretion, or any other underlying disease like inflamatory bowel disease. 

4. Arthritis 

With age, their joint health reterioriates and becomes stiff and painful. They might even find it difficult to get to their water bowl. Also, if they are in extreme pain, they might refuse to drink water.  

5. Behavioral Abnormality 

If your dog is depresses, stressed or anxious, they might not want to drink water. It can leave them uninterested, or nauseated which can be a reason for them not to drink water. Dog anxiety can make them tired emotionally and physically both. 

6. Underlying Illness 

When a dog is feeling unwell, they often lack thirst or appetite. They just don’t feel like eating or drinking anything. Bladder infections and cancer can be a reason for their decreased thirst. 

7. Unclean Water Bowl 

If you have not cleaned their watr bowl lately, food particles and biofilm of bacteria can cling to the sides of the bowl. This often grows an unappealing taste and smell to it, which is why they might not want to drink from that bowl. 

It is your duty ti clean their bowl regularly. Also, have a spare bowl ready when the one you are using gets dirty. 

Is It A Life-Threatening Situation? 

Water is a critical element for their survival. Without a consistent source, they get dehydrated and that can turn into something serious. If the condition egts to dehydration, their body is not receiving enough fluid to carry out the body functions, like defecating and urinating. 

When left untreated, dehydration can become serious and can be considered as a medical emergency. When things gets extremely severe, it can be even fatal. If your dog is not drinking water, but eating, that means they are getting some fluids from their diet. 

As I mentioned earlier, canned food contains more water than dry food. If you notice their water consumption has decreased, you need to take them to a vet immediately. 

When Should You Consult A Veterinarian?

You need to monitor their water intake. If you think, there is no major change in the environment, but the water intake has reduced then it is necessary that you take them to a vet immediately.  

The vet often discusses the next steps, and will ask you to monitor them at home and get them back to the vet again. Notice if their gums are getting dry, they are showing any signs of weakness or lethargy and sunken eyes. If you notice any of these take them to a vet. 

How Do They Treat This? 

A vet often conducts a physical examinationto figure out the underlying cause behind them not drinking water. They might often recommend a urinalysis, blood work, ultrasounds or X-rays. 

If this is happening for some underlying illness, the vet will tret the condition and then their water intake will get back to normal. They might recommend some of these depending on the underlying cause for dog not drinking water. 

• A change in their diet 

• Medicines to treat nausea  

• Antacids 

• Fluid therapy 

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammation 

• Supportive care and hospitalization 

• Dental cleaning and oral examination 

However, if there is no underlying issue, and there is no reason to be concerned, then you need to use different ways to encourage them to drink more water. 

• Offer them canned food and not just dry kibble. 

• Clean their water bowl daily. 

• Use a water fountain and not just a water bowl. 

• Add a tablespoon of unsalted chicken brith in their water. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Discussing dog not drinking water comes with some of these commonly asked questions.