For weeks, I watched my Boxer, Luna, barely touch her water bowl. I tried everything—moving it, cleaning it obsessively, even buying fancy ceramic bowls. Nothing worked. Meanwhile, she'd eagerly lap up puddle water on walks and beg for drinks from my water glass. My vet's words echoed in my head: "She needs to double her water intake, or we're looking at kidney problems." The pressure was overwhelming. How do you make a dog drink when they simply won't?
If you're desperately searching for how to get your dog to drink more water, you're not alone. Whether your dog is recovering from illness, prone to UTIs, or just a stubborn drinker, inadequate hydration is a serious problem with real health consequences.
The good news? After consulting with veterinarians, animal behaviorists, and fellow dog parents, I've compiled 15 proven strategies that actually work. Luna now drinks plenty (trick #7 was our game-changer), and her kidney values are perfect.
Why Your Dog Isn't Drinking Enough
Before diving into solutions, understanding the "why" helps you choose the right approach:
Common Reasons Dogs Avoid Water:
- Taste aversion (chlorine, minerals, plastic)
- Bowl issues (material, size, placement)
- Whisker fatigue (bowl too narrow)
- Negative associations (scary noises near bowl)
- Health problems (dental pain, nausea)
- Preference for moving water (instinctual)
- Stress or anxiety
- Competition from other pets
- Simply forgetting (especially puppies/seniors)
- Temperature preferences
How Much Water Should Your Dog Actually Drink?
Before implementing strategies, know your target:
Basic Formula: 1 ounce per pound of body weight daily
- 20-pound dog: 2.5 cups minimum
- 50-pound dog: 6.25 cups minimum
- 80-pound dog: 10 cups minimum
Increase by 50-100% for:
- Hot weather
- Active dogs
- Dry food only diet
- Health conditions
- Medications
15 Proven Ways to Get Your Dog to Drink More Water
1. The Ice Cube Method
Why it works: Movement and temperature change trigger interest
How to do it:
- Drop 2-3 ice cubes in water bowl
- Let dog watch them plop in
- Some dogs enjoy "fishing" them out
- Creates movement as they melt
- Cools water in summer
Best for: Playful dogs, hot weather, dogs who like cold water
Pro tip: Freeze low-sodium broth in ice cube trays for extra appeal
2. The Flavor Enhancement Technique
Why it works: Makes water irresistibly tasty
Safe flavor options:
- Low-sodium chicken broth (no onion/garlic)
- Bone broth (unsalted)
- Tuna juice (from tuna in water, not oil)
- Goat milk (small amounts)
- Coconut water (plain, unsweetened)
How to do it:
- Start with 1 tablespoon per bowl
- Gradually reduce over 2 weeks
- Eventually just "season" the bowl
- Always offer plain water too
Best for: Picky eaters, post-surgery dogs, seniors
3. The Multiple Station Strategy
Why it works: Convenience and territory considerations
Setup tips:
- Place bowls in every room dog frequents
- One near bed, one by door, one in kitchen
- Different heights for variety
- Away from food bowls
- Quiet, accessible locations
Best for: Multi-pet homes, large houses, senior dogs
Success story: "Adding a water bowl upstairs increased my lazy Bulldog's intake by 40%. He just wouldn't go downstairs for water!" - Rachel M.
4. The Food Integration Method
Why it works: Adds moisture directly to diet
Techniques:
- Add ¼ cup warm water to kibble
- Let soak 5 minutes before serving
- Mix wet and dry food
- Add water to wet food too
- Make "gravy" with kibble dust and water
Best for: Dogs who inhale food, dry food feeders
Bonus: Slows down fast eaters and aids digestion
5. The Temperature Game
Why it works: Dogs have temperature preferences like humans
Experiment with:
- Room temperature (most prefer this)
- Slightly cool (not ice cold)
- Slightly warm (especially in winter)
- Fresh from tap vs. sitting out
- Filtered vs. tap
Best for: Particular dogs, seasonal changes
Note: Most dogs prefer water 60-70°F
6. The Bowl Material Switch
Why it works: Eliminates taste/smell issues
Material hierarchy:
- Stainless steel (no taste, antibacterial)
- Ceramic (heavy, stable)
- Glass (no taste but breakable)
- Avoid plastic (retains odors/flavors)
Best for: Dogs who sniff and walk away
Key: Wash daily regardless of material
7. The Running Water Solution
Why it works: Triggers instinctual preference for fresh water
Options:
- Pet water fountain (continuous flow)
- Dripping faucet (temporary solution)
- Garden hose (supervised)
- Pour fresh water while they watch
Best for: Dogs who drink from toilets, faucets, or puddles
Luna's breakthrough: This was our solution. A stainless steel fountain transformed her from barely drinking to exceeding daily needs.
8. The Exercise-Drink Routine
Why it works: Natural thirst after activity
Implementation:
- Offer water immediately after walks
- Bring water on longer outings
- Create post-play water ritual
- Use special "exercise bowl"
- Praise drinking after activity
Best for: Active dogs, routine-oriented dogs
9. The Positive Reinforcement Approach
Why it works: Creates positive associations
Training method:
- Praise ANY interest in water
- Treat when they approach bowl
- Bigger reward for actual drinking
- Use special "water time" command
- Make it a happy event
Best for: Trainable dogs, anxiety-related avoidance
10. The Competition Method
Why it works: Triggers resource motivation
How to use carefully:
- Let reluctant drinker see other pets drinking
- Create slight "competition" for water
- Ensure everyone gets access
- Monitor for stress
Best for: Multi-pet households (use cautiously)
11. The Elevation Solution
Why it works: Easier access, especially for seniors
Height guidelines:
- Elbow height for large dogs
- Chest height for small dogs
- Reduces neck strain
- Helps dogs with arthritis
- Prevents gulping air
Best for: Senior dogs, large breeds, dogs with mobility issues
12. The Scheduled Offering Technique
Why it works: Creates routine and reminds forgetful dogs
Schedule example:
- Morning: Fresh water with breakfast
- Mid-morning: Ice cube addition
- Lunch: Flavored water offering
- Afternoon: Post-nap fresh bowl
- Evening: After-walk water
- Night: Final offering before bed
Best for: Puppies, seniors, routine-loving dogs
13. The Special Bowl Psychology
Why it works: Makes water feel like a treat
Ideas:
- Use YOUR water glass (supervised)
- Special "treat bowl" just for water
- Colorful or unusual shaped bowl
- Let them choose from options
- Rotate bowls for novelty
Best for: Dogs who drink from human glasses
14. The Wet Food Transition
Why it works: Adds significant moisture to diet
Moisture content:
- Dry food: 10% moisture
- Wet food: 75-80% moisture
- Raw food: 70% moisture
Transition tips:
- Mix gradually over 7-10 days
- Can do partial wet/dry diet
- Add extra water to wet food too
Best for: Chronic poor drinkers, kidney-prone dogs
15. The Environmental Optimization
Why it works: Removes barriers to drinking
Checklist:
- Quiet location (away from appliances)
- Non-slip mat under bowl
- Away from high-traffic areas
- Not near litter boxes (multi-pet homes)
- Good lighting
- Comfortable temperature
- No competition from other pets
Best for: Anxious dogs, new pets, seniors
Creating Your Custom Hydration Plan
Not every trick works for every dog. Here's how to find your solution:
Week 1: Baseline and Observation
- Measure current intake
- Note drinking patterns
- Identify obvious issues
- Try easy fixes (bowl placement, freshness)
Week 2: Temperature and Flavor Tests
- Experiment with water temperature
- Try one flavor enhancer
- Note preferences
- Continue measuring intake
Week 3: Environmental Changes
- Add multiple stations
- Try elevation
- Test different materials
- Consider running water
Week 4: Behavior Modification
- Implement routine
- Add positive reinforcement
- Create post-exercise ritual
- Evaluate progress
Special Situations Requiring Extra Attention
Post-Surgery or Illness
- Offer water every 30-60 minutes
- Use syringe (with vet guidance)
- Try baby food meat flavor in water
- Keep detailed intake log
- Don't wait—call vet if concerned
Senior Dogs
- Warm water may be preferred
- Multiple elevated stations
- Consider cognitive decline
- Check for dental issues
- Monitor more closely
Hot Weather
- Increase offerings by 50-100%
- Add ice cubes
- Create water "popsicles"
- Provide shade with water
- Never leave without access
Multiple Pet Households
- Ensure equal access
- Monitor bullying
- Consider separate areas
- May need fountains for freshness
- Watch for resource guarding
When to Worry and Seek Help
Contact your vet if:
- No improvement after 2 weeks of trying
- Sudden change in drinking habits
- Signs of dehydration persist
- Other symptoms present
- Drinking but urinating excessively
- Refusing water completely for 24 hours
Measuring Success
Track these improvements:
- Urine color (light yellow is goal)
- Energy levels increasing
- Skin elasticity (tent test)
- Gum moisture (should be slick)
- Urination frequency (3-5 times daily)
- Overall demeanor brightening
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forcing water (creates negative associations)
- Only trying one method (combine strategies)
- Giving up too quickly (takes time)
- Using milk products (many dogs are lactose intolerant)
- Adding too much flavor (creates dependency)
- Limiting access to control accidents
- Using dirty bowls (bacteria discourage drinking)
- Ignoring underlying health issues
Real Success Stories
"My German Shepherd went from drinking 2 cups to 8 cups daily using the fountain method plus scheduled offerings. His chronic UTIs stopped completely." - Mark T.
"Flavored ice cubes were the key for my picky Chihuahua. Now she gets excited about 'water time' and drinks plenty." - Sandra L.
"Multiple bowls plus elevation solved it for my arthritic Lab. He just needed easier access." - Jennifer K.
The Investment in Health
Consider the costs:
- Quality water fountain: $70-120
- Multiple bowls: $30-50
- Elevated feeders: $25-40
- Monthly flavoring: $10-15
Compare to:
- UTI treatment: $200-500
- Kidney disease management: $3,000+ annually
- Emergency dehydration treatment: $1,000-3,000
The math is clear: Investing in hydration pays for itself many times over.
Your Action Plan Starting Today
- Measure current intake (know your baseline)
- Clean all water bowls thoroughly
- Try the ice cube method (easy first step)
- Add one new water station
- Observe and document changes
- Be patient (habits take time)
- Celebrate small wins (any increase is good)
The Bottom Line
Getting your dog to drink more water isn't about finding one magic solution—it's about understanding your individual dog's preferences and removing barriers to hydration. Some dogs need flavor incentive, others need running water, and many need a combination of strategies.
Luna's story has a happy ending. That stubborn Boxer who worried me sick now drinks enthusiastically from her fountain, enjoys flavored ice cubes on hot days, and has perfect kidney values. The key was persistence and finding the right combination of tricks.
Your dog's health depends on adequate hydration. Don't give up—keep trying different methods until you find what works. The effort you put in today could add years to your dog's life.
To help your dog stay hydrated and healthy, check out the Pawdrate™ Filtered Water Fountain—designed to encourage natural drinking behavior with fresh, flowing water that dogs instinctively prefer.