My dog won't drink much water, seems tired, and has bad breath. Why?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Japanese Spitz | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 10 months old | 11 lbs
My dos is not drinking, she’s not losing her appetite on food though she still eats her meal regularly however she won’t drink or will just drink few water after meal, she’s not vomiting, she doesn’t have diarrhea but is sometimes lonely and just want to lie down, i also notice her breath seems to be fouler, what could the reason be?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on May 8th, 2018
HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am glad that Winter seems to be acting fine. If she isn't very active she may not need much water. If she is playing or the weather is hot she will drink more. I would try different water bowls, fresh water dog fountain, adding water gradually to her dry food to a level she will tolerate, try adding ice cubes to her water or try adding low sodium chicken broth to her water. Most animals that are eating and not losing fluid from vomit and diarrhea are probably hydrated and are okay. Causes of bad breath are: dental disease, diet (gas), foreign body in the mouth, matted fur around the mouth, skin infection around the mouth or kidney disease. I wish you the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on March 17th, 2019
I'm sorry Cookie's having a problem, but I'm glad he's not lethargic anymore and that he's eating. In the picture you posted, the hard palate (roof of the mouth) looks normal. There could be an abnormality elsewhere in her mouth (a tooth, under her tongue, in the back of her throat, etc) but the picture looks ok. It may be that he's not drinking much because his current diet (potatoes and chicken blended with water) has a high water content, so he is getting enough fluid already and just doesn't have the drive to drink. However since you are noticing that his breath is exceptionally stinky, I would recommend that you take him to a vet for an exam. They may recommend sedation so that a thorough oral exam can be performed. Thank you for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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