PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Arts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship Quizzes Cars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and Fitness Computers and ElectronicsHealthPets and AnimalsTravel Education & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork World Family LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Pets and Animals
Dogs
Feeding Dogs
How to Get Your Dog to Drink Water: Natural Motivation & Tricks Download Article The easiest ways to get your dog to regularly consume water Co-authored by Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD
Last Updated: July 28, 2025
Download Article
Daily Tactics
|
Arranging the Water Dish
|
Addressing Serious Dehydration
|
Video
|
Expert Q&A
|
Tips
|
Warnings
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD. Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998. This article has been viewed 659,493 times.
Healthy dogs are usually good at managing their own water intake, although this is less true of young puppies and elderly dogs. Unless there are signs of serious health issues, your dog will most likely get enough water after a few minor changes to water bowl placement and diet.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Daily Tactics
Download Article
1 Exercise the dog. Dogs need daily exercise, such as a brisk walk or playing in a park or backyard. If your dog doesn't get enough exercise, it may not be losing much moisture to panting, and so won't be as thirsty as a healthily active dog.
On long walks, bring along water and give the dog a swallow every 10 minutes or so. This can help get the dog in the habit of drinking regularly at home.
You should only exercise a previously healthy dog. If your dog is elderly or ill, ask your vet about better options.
2 Feed the dog wet food. Wet food contains a great deal of water already, usually marked on the can as "% moisture content." Replace some or all of the dog's dry food with wet, checking the label or a vet's recommendation to determine how much food the dog needs.
Alternatively, soak dry food in a bowl of water for 30–60 minutes before giving it to your dog.
Advertisement
3 Make food only available at mealtimes. Feed your dog once or twice a day, according to your vet's recommendation or the label of your dog food. If food is constantly available, some dogs will mistake thirst for hunger.
4 Let the dog out to pee whenever necessary. If your dog is stuck indoors for 8 hours at a time, it could be avoiding water because it's learned that causes an uncomfortably full bladder. Let your dog out to pee every few hours or train it to use a puppy pad.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Arranging the Water Dish
Download Article
1 Give the dog constant access to water. In a multistory home, put a bowl of water on each floor the dog has access to. If the dog spends part of the day outdoors or shut in a room, put an additional bowl of water in these locations.
Try to keep these "water stations" in the same place so your dog knows where to look for water.
A dog tied outside may get its chain or rope tangled, preventing it from accessing the water dish.[1]X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source If there is no alternative to tying it up, keep the area free from obstructions and place the water dish next to the stake. The water bowl may also get knocked over by the rope or chain, so check it often, replenishing the water as necessary.
2 Change the water frequently. Empty the water bowl daily and rinse out any debris before refilling it, then wipe the sides with a paper towel. Change the water again whenever you notice hair or dirt floating in it, or whenever the water level is getting low. During hot weather, you may need to check the bowl every couple hours.
Thoroughly wash and dry the water bowl at least once a week. If the bowl gets dirty, wash it more often.
Drinking dirty water can put your dog at risk of developing urinary tract infections, so providing fresh water and keeping the bowl clean is important for your dog’s health.[2]X Trustworthy Source American Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
3 Consider a pet fountain. These bowl-sized water fountains may be more attractive to dogs that prefer running water, or young puppies who aren't used to drinking from a bowl. These are also easier to find for dogs with vision problems.
4 Add ice cubes on hot days. Many dogs prefer drinking cold water. Toss in a couple ice cubes. Do this while the dog is watching, and it may come over to investigate.
5 Make the water more exciting. If you don't want to buy a fountain, try shaking the bowl of water instead, or waving a toy over it. Dropping blueberries or other small treats in the water can also convince a dog to drink as it fishes them out.
If the dog still isn't interested, try again after replacing the doggie bowl with an ordinary cup or bowl with a different shape or color.
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Addressing Serious Dehydration
Download Article
1 Look for signs of dehydration. Most healthy dogs are pretty good at managing their own water consumption. Check for the following signs of ill health or dehydration before you get too concerned:
Gently pinch a fold of skin at the back of the dog's neck or between the shoulder blades, and let go. If the skin doesn't immediately return to the original position, your dog may be dehydrated.
Gently press your finger against your dog's gums until the color lightens, then lift your finger. If the gums don't immediately return to the original color, your dog may be dehydrated.[3]XResearch source
Other possible signs of dehydration include lethargy, loss of appetite, or a change in the amount or color of your dog's urine. By themselves, these are not cause for urgent concern unless they are severe or last more than a day.
2 Know the risk factors. Life stages and medical issues can increase the frequency and severity of dehydration. Err on the side of caution if any of the following apply to your dog:
Just as hot weather can dehydrate a person, it can also dehydrate your dog. If it's hot, make sure that your dog is drinking enough.
Vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive panting or drooling can all cause dehydration if the dog does not drink more water to compensate.
Similarly, kidney disease and other chronic illnesses can cause dehydration.
If your dog is diabetic, pregnant, nursing, very young, or very old, take the dog to a veterinarian at the first suspicion of dehydration.
3 Visit the veterinarian. If your dog demonstrates one of the above symptoms and refuses to drink water, visit a veterinarian as soon as possible. The veterinarian may give the dog a saline IV or a subcutaneous fluid injection to rapidly restore fluids to the dog.
A veterinarian will also be able to test for medical problems that could be causing dehydration, such as kidney disease. After diagnosis, the vet may prescribe medication or a special diet.
Warning: Always call your vet if your dog refuses to drink for more than a day, even if it doesn’t show any other symptoms. This can be a sign of a serious health issue.[4]XResearch source
4 Give the dog rehydration fluid. If your dog shows symptoms of dehydration and you can't get to a veterinarian immediately, dilute Pedialyte rehydration fluid with an equal amount of water and give about 1 cup (240 mL) of the mixture to your dog once an hour.[5]XResearch source Pedialyte is available at drug stores.
Do not mix this with any other ingredients, or you could cause further damage to the dog.
While other rehydration fluids are available, consulting a veterinarian before using them is recommended whenever possible.
Inhabitants of the U.S. can use the Pedialyte website to locate the nearest store that carries it.
5 Add flavor and electrolytes to the water. If you can't find any Pedialyte, pour a little low-sodium chicken broth or diluted carrot juice into the water. This can help replenish electrolytes lost to dehydration, and may make the water more enticing to your sick dog.
6 Use a syringe if necessary. If your sick dog completely refuses to drink, fill a plastic, needleless syringe with water and squirt it into your dog's mouth. Squirt in the dog's cheek, not directly down the throat, to prevent choking.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question
Question If your dog drinks any milk will it kill them or make them very sick? Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD Veterinarian Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998. Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD Veterinarian Expert Answer If the dog consumes a lot of milk, it may get diarrhea. However, the dog will otherwise be okay. You shouldn't feed milk to your dog. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 25
Question Can we feed milk to dogs and cats? Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD Veterinarian Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998. Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD Veterinarian Expert Answer No, you should not feed milk to dogs and cats. They cannot properly digest cow's milk and may get diarrhea. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 15
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Video
Reader Videos
Tips
If you have a large house, put water bowls in several locations so that your dog always has access to water. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Don't leave your dog's bowl in the sun. Most dogs find warm water less pleasant to drink. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
Dogs sometimes refuse to eat or drink when they’re in unfamiliar surroundings or there’s been a change to their regular environment. If your dog isn’t drinking, consider whether something may be making it anxious. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Show More Tips
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
Instead of spending money on an oral syringe, I use a water gun to help get my dog to drink more water. They're cheaper and fun!
Purchase BPA-free plastic dog bowls over standard plastic bowls to avoid unnecessary toxins from leaking into your dog's water.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
If your dog finally starts drinking after much convincing, let it drink in peace instead of praising it. Too much attention can distract the dog from the water bowl. Thanks Helpful 73 Not Helpful 30
Don't let the dog drink from the toilet; this can be a source of illness-causing bacteria.[6]X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement
You Might Also Like
How toGet a Sick Dog to DrinkHow toFeed a Sick DogHow toDetermine if a Dog Is DehydratedHow toNurse a Dog when It's SickHow toGet Your Dog to Eat the Dog Food It Does Not LikeHow toCare for Dogs with DistemperHow toTreat Dog DiarrheaHow toIncrease Appetite in DogsHow toTeach a Bearded Dragon to Drink from a Water BowlHow toGet Your Dog to Eat Dry FoodHow toTreat a Panting DogHow toMake a Dog's Dry Food Tastier So He Will Eat It AllWhat to Do When a Dog Throws Up: A Care Guide with Expert AdviceHow toNurse a Dog Through Parvo Advertisement
Co-authored by: Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD Veterinarian This article was co-authored by Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD. Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998. This article has been viewed 659,493 times. 11 votes - 56% Co-authors: 22Updated: July 28, 2025 Views: 659,493 Categories: Feeding DogsArticle SummaryX
To get your dog to drink water, make sure it has constant access by placing a bowl on all floors of your home. Change the water whenever you see it getting dirty, and add ice cubs on a hot day to make it more enticing. If your dog is showing signs of dehydration, like lethargy or low urine levels, take it to the vet right away and help it rehydrate by giving it diluted Pedialyte or water with a bit of chicken broth or carrot juice. For more symptoms of dehydration and ways to help your dog drink more water day to day, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
In other languages French Dutch German Indonesian Spanish Portuguese Italian Russian Japanese Arabic Chinese Thai Vietnamese Korean Czech
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 659,493 times.
Reader Success Stories
Tracy McFarland
Aug 24, 2017
"I took my dog to the vet. He has been sick but this really helped me because I wanted to make sure the things I was trying were going to be safe to give him. I did not know what was safe, thank you, this helped me and gave me safe ideas to try. "..." more Rated this article:
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD Veterinarian 11 votes - 56% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 22Updated: July 28, 2025 Views: 659,493
Tracy McFarland
Aug 24, 2017
"I took my dog to the vet. He has been sick but this really helped me because I wanted to make sure the things I was trying were going to be safe to give him. I did not know what was safe, thank you, this helped me and gave me safe ideas to try. "..." more Rated this article:
Mark Robinson
Apr 18, 2016
"Heart worm pills made our basset hound sickly and she refused water. The syringe idea seemed good but we didn't have one. We cleaned out and used a rubber bulb (the kind you use to administer ear drops). We gently squirted into the side of the mouth and got about 4 oz of water into her. It may have saved her life. Thank you! "..." more
Dawn Neely
Jul 10, 2017
"My dogs are recovering from sickness after ingesting rodenticide. Now that their bodies are pretty stable and the IV is out, they both are not excited about drinking. Some of the suggestions made in the article are things I'm already trying, but now after reading I feel encouraged to keep it up. "..." more Rated this article:
Shannon Bachman
Oct 14, 2017
"My dog has had a bout with kennel cough a year ago. She recently has had a "cold" and has been coughing not kennel cough. I was looking for suggestions to bump up her immune system and fiber for her. Thanks for all the posts here and the answers are great help."..." more
Riley Lyndon
Apr 23, 2018
"My Cocker Spaniel is 8 years old. He recently was doing good with water, but he has a flare up of pancreitis an is taking Carafate and Metrodotzle. Changed his food to I/D special digest. I have giving Pedialyte in a syringe, but not on his jaw. Thanks."..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
Quizzes & Games
Daily Water Intake CalculatorWhat Dog Breed Am I QuizTake QuizHow Well Can I Read Dog Body Language QuizTake QuizWhat Pet Should I Get QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizWhat Do I Want in a Weight Loss Program QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How toGet a Sick Dog to DrinkHow toFeed a Sick DogHow toDetermine if a Dog Is DehydratedHow toNurse a Dog when It's Sick
Trending Articles
Am I Good at Flirting QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizHow Many Secret Admirers Do I Have QuizRank My Attractiveness Quiz5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your ShapeWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz
Watch Articles
How toImpress a Girl on a First DateWhat Are Tear Burns on TikTok and What Causes Them?How toWear a HoodieHow toChiffonadeHow toMake a Fabric RoseHow toConfront a Bully
Trending Articles
What Is My Intelligence Type Quiz210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-BlowingHow toTell That Your Crush Likes You BackDepression Test for TeensSCP Fight Simulator: Who Will Win?Am I Autistic Quiz
Quizzes & Games
Dog Name GeneratorGenerate NamesWhy Am I So Tired QuizTake QuizWhat Animal Am I QuizTake QuizWhich Diet Is Right for Me QuizTake QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Eat for Lunch QuizTake Quiz
Categories
Pets and Animals
Dogs
Feeding Dogs
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Download Article The easiest ways to get your dog to regularly consume water Co-authored by Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD Veterinarian This article was co-authored by Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD. Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998. This article has been viewed 659,493 times. 11 votes - 56% Co-authors: 22 Updated: July 28, 2025 Views: 659,493 Categories: Feeding Dogs Article SummaryX
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Generate Names
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
493 
1 Exercise the dog. Dogs need daily exercise, such as a brisk walk or playing in a park or backyard. If your dog doesn't get enough exercise, it may not be losing much moisture to panting, and so won't be as thirsty as a healthily active dog. 
2 Feed the dog wet food. Wet food contains a great deal of water already, usually marked on the can as "% moisture content." Replace some or all of the dog's dry food with wet, checking the label or a vet's recommendation to determine how much food the dog needs. 
3 Make food only available at mealtimes. Feed your dog once or twice a day, according to your vet's recommendation or the label of your dog food. If food is constantly available, some dogs will mistake thirst for hunger. 
4 Let the dog out to pee whenever necessary. If your dog is stuck indoors for 8 hours at a time, it could be avoiding water because it's learned that causes an uncomfortably full bladder. Let your dog out to pee every few hours or train it to use a puppy pad. Advertisement 
1 Give the dog constant access to water. In a multistory home, put a bowl of water on each floor the dog has access to. If the dog spends part of the day outdoors or shut in a room, put an additional bowl of water in these locations. 
2 Change the water frequently. Empty the water bowl daily and rinse out any debris before refilling it, then wipe the sides with a paper towel. Change the water again whenever you notice hair or dirt floating in it, or whenever the water level is getting low. During hot weather, you may need to check the bowl every couple hours. 
3 Consider a pet fountain. These bowl-sized water fountains may be more attractive to dogs that prefer running water, or young puppies who aren't used to drinking from a bowl. These are also easier to find for dogs with vision problems. 
4 Add ice cubes on hot days. Many dogs prefer drinking cold water. Toss in a couple ice cubes. Do this while the dog is watching, and it may come over to investigate. 
5 Make the water more exciting. If you don't want to buy a fountain, try shaking the bowl of water instead, or waving a toy over it. Dropping blueberries or other small treats in the water can also convince a dog to drink as it fishes them out. 
1 Look for signs of dehydration. Most healthy dogs are pretty good at managing their own water consumption. Check for the following signs of ill health or dehydration before you get too concerned: 
2 Know the risk factors. Life stages and medical issues can increase the frequency and severity of dehydration. Err on the side of caution if any of the following apply to your dog: 
3 Visit the veterinarian. If your dog demonstrates one of the above symptoms and refuses to drink water, visit a veterinarian as soon as possible. The veterinarian may give the dog a saline IV or a subcutaneous fluid injection to rapidly restore fluids to the dog. 
6 Use a syringe if necessary. If your sick dog completely refuses to drink, fill a plastic, needleless syringe with water and squirt it into your dog's mouth. Squirt in the dog's cheek, not directly down the throat, to prevent choking. Advertisement 
Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD Veterinarian Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998. 
Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.