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My dog isn't drinking enough water. How can I get him to drink more?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 3 months old | 17 lbs

My dog doesn't seem to drink water. His water bowl is always stays filled and is hardly touched. I always give a fresh bowl in the morning when I give him his breakfast. Change the water again in the afternoon. Change the water again with his dinner and again before bedtime. In the afternoons, I sometimes will try to add ice cubes in the water or just give him ice cubes directly. Sometimes he will lick the ice cube a few times then stop. How can I get him to take more liquids? Thank you.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 9th, 2017

It is concerning that it appears that Nicco isn't drinking water, and it sounds like you are keeping an eye on the levels. I would recommend measuring out the water in the morning into the bowl, and then the next morning measuring the remaining water to get an exact amount of how much he is drinking. Normally a dog should drink between 8.5-17 ounces of water per 10 pounds. Nicco should be drinking around 17-34 ounces daily if we round his weight up to 20 pounds. Check to see if he is drinking this amount, and if he is, then he is getting enough water. To ensure he is getting enough water, you can try mixing in canned food with his dry food. Canned food has a higher moisture content, and that will get extra water into his food. You can soak his dry food in warm water, or occasionally add in some low sodium beef or chicken broth. Finally, you can get Nicco a pet water fountain. These provide a continual source of fresh water for him, and dogs love drinking from them. I have one, and my pets love it. Good luck, I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Isabelle Roese, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on

    A good way to increase water consumption is to give canned food. That said, Nico may be taking enough for his needs on a regular basis. Assuming he is alert, happy, energetic, has soft stool, he might be just fine. A visit to your regular veterinarian would confirm he is ok or if there is an issue to work on.

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