Healthy dogs can usually regulate their own water intake, although this is not the case for older puppies and dogs. Unless there are signs of a serious health problem, your dog will be getting enough water once you've changed his drinking and eating patterns.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Coping With Serious Dehydration In Dogs
Step 1. Recognize the signs of dehydration
Most healthy dogs are good at regulating their water intake. Check for the following signs of deteriorating dog health or dehydration before you worry too much about your dog's condition:
- Gently pinch the dog's skin on the back of the neck or between the nape of the neck, then release. If your dog's skin doesn't return to its normal position immediately, your dog may be dehydrated.
- Gently press down on the dog's gum area with your finger until it's light in color, then lift your finger. If his gums don't change to their normal gum color right away, your dog may be dehydrated.
- Other signs that your dog may be dehydrated include lethargy, loss of appetite, low urine output, or a change in the color of the urine. Each of these signs isn't much of a concern unless they get worse and last more than a day.
Step 2. Identify risk factors
Age and health issues can increase the frequency and severity of dehydration in dogs. Here are signs to look out for if the following signs appear in your dog:
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or shortness of breath or constant drooling can cause your dog to become dehydrated if they don't drink more water afterward.
- If your dog is diabetic, pregnant, nursing, very young, or too old, take your dog to the vet if you suspect your dog may be dehydrated.
Step 3. Visit the vet
If your dog is showing any of the signs of dehydration mentioned above, and won't drink water, take your dog to the vet immediately. The vet will give you IV fluids or inject fluids under their skin to restore fluids in the dog's body.
Usually the vet will also check for any health problems in your dog that could be causing dehydration, such as a kidney suit. After making a diagnosis, the vet will prescribe certain medications or diets
Step 4. Give your dog ORS
If your dog is showing signs of dehydration and you are unable to take him to the vet immediately, dilute Pedialyte with enough water and give your dog 1 cup (240mL) of the mixed water every hour. Pedialyte is available in pharmacies.
- Do not mix it with other ingredients, or it will have a bad effect on your dog.
- Although there are many ORS solutions available in the market, it's a good idea to consult your veterinarian before giving it to your dog.
- Those who live in the United States can access the Pedialyte website to check which stores provide Pedialyte.
Step 5. Add flavorings and electrolytes to your dog's drinking water
If you can't find Pedialyte at your local pharmacy, add chicken stock with a little salt or dilute carrot juice with water. This will be able to restore the electrolytes lost as a result of dehydration, and will be more appetizing for your sick dog.
Step 6. Use needleless injection if necessary
If your sick dog really doesn't want to drink, use a needleless syringe filled with water and squirt it into your dog's mouth. Aim for the inner cheek, don't go straight to the throat because your dog may choke.
Part 2 of 3: Tricks That Can Be Used Every Day
Step 1. Get your dog to exercise
Dogs need to exercise every day, such as taking a leisurely walk or playing in your garden or yard. If your dog is not getting enough exercise, your dog probably won't lose moisture from panting, and won't be as thirsty as a healthy, active dog.
If it's a long way to walk your dog, bring a bottle of water and give it to your dog every 10 minutes. This will help get your dog used to drinking regularly at home
Step 2. Provide wet food
Wet meals contain a significant amount of water, usually written "% humidity." on the food can. Mix a little or replace all of your dog's dry food with wet food, check the food label or ask your veterinarian for recommendations to determine how much food your dog needs.
Alternatively, soak your dog's dry food in water for at least 30-60 minutes before giving it to your dog
Step 3. Provide food only at mealtimes
Feed your dog once or twice a day, depending on what your veterinarian recommends or as indicated on your dog's food label. If dog food is constantly available in the feeder, some dogs will mistake thirst for hunger.
Step 4. Let your dog urinate whenever needed
If your dog stays indoors for 8 hours, he will avoid water because he knows what causes his bladder to become full and uncomfortable. Allow your dog to urinate if he is constantly barking near the door, or train your dog to urinate using a litter box placed in the room.
Part 3 of 3: Setting Up a Dog Feeding and Drinking Place
Step 1. Give your dog easy access to water
For those with terraced houses, place water for your dog to drink on each floor where they like to enter. If your dog spends most of his time outdoors or in an enclosed space, include additional water-filled troughs for your dog in these places.
- Try to keep the jars in the same place so your dog knows where to look for water when he's thirsty.
- Dogs that are leashed outdoors like to get tangled in chains or tangled leash which makes it difficult for them to get to their drinking bowls. If there is no alternative but to tie up your dog, avoid places with lots of obstructions that could cause your dog's leash to tangle and keep the drinking container close to your dog.
Step 2. Change your dog's drinking water frequently
Change your dog's drinking water every day and clean the cistern before refilling it with drinking water for your dog, and wipe the sides with a tissue or rag. Change the drinking water again if you find hair or dirt floating in the drinking water, or if the water is running low. If the weather is hot, you should often check the place to drink every 2 hours.
Step 3. Consider a fountain for animals
A fountain the size of a basin of water can look more appealing to your dog than water gushing out of a faucet, or to a puppy who is not used to drinking from his drinking bowl. These showers are also easier to see for dogs with vision problems.
Step 4. Add ice cubes if the weather is hot
Most dogs prefer to drink cold water. Put some ice cubes in the shape of small boxes into the drinking water. Do this when your dog is looking at you, and it will pique your dog's curiosity, which will lead him to come to the trough to check.
Step 5. Make the drinking water look fun
If you're too lazy to buy a fountain for animals, try shaking the tumbler, or waving your dog's favorite toy over the tumbler. Putting some blueberry seeds or dog treats in the water can also make your dog drink because they will try to get them out of the water.
If your dog is still not interested, try again after changing the trough to a regular bowl or basin that is a different shape and color than your dog's tumbler
Tips
Do not place your dog's drinking trough in a place that is exposed to direct sunlight. Most dogs do not like to drink warm water
Warning
- If your dog finally wants to drink water, let him drink in peace and don't praise him. Too much attention you give your dog will distract him from his drinking bowl.
- Don't let your dog drink from the toilet; because it will cause disease that comes from bacteria.
