🐶 7 Signs Your Dog Isn't Drinking Enough Water

👉 Personally compiled by the editor・A must-read for Hong Kong dog owners

Hong Kong's summers are hot and humid, and many dogs don't like to drink much, so dehydration is a major concern for their owners. Water is crucial to a dog's health, maintaining body temperature, aiding digestion, and flushing out toxins. We've noticed many owners don't know the signs of insufficient water intake and wait until serious symptoms appear before taking their dogs to the vet. However, careful observation can help identify problems early and help dogs replenish their water. Below, we've compiled seven major signs to help you, your dog owner.

👅 1. Dry mouth and sticky gums

🩺 Less saliva = insufficient water

• A healthy dog's gums should be moist and shiny.
• If your gums become dry, dark in color, or even sticky, it may be a sign of dehydration.
• Increased tongue licking is also a common sign.

Editor's tip: I would gently touch the dog's gums with my fingers. If it feels dry or sticky, I need to pay attention.

🐾 2. Decreased activity and fatigue

⚡ Listless, as if without electricity

• Not drinking enough water will slow down the body's circulation and metabolism.
• Your dog may stop actively playing and drag his feet on walks.
• I feel listless and sometimes sleep for long periods of time.

Editor's observation: If a dog that is usually full of energy suddenly lies down and slumps all day long, it is likely that it is lacking water.

🐕 3. Decreased urination frequency or darker color

🚽 Urine color can tell you

• Normal dog urine should be light yellow.
• When you are dehydrated, your urine will become dark yellow or even a little brown.
• A significant decrease in the frequency of urination is also a sign of insufficient water.

Editor's note: If your urine is dark in color or even contains blood for a long time, you must take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

👀 4. Dry and dull eyes

😔 Eyes are the mirror of health

• A healthy dog's eyes should be moist and shiny.
• Lack of water can make your eyes dry, dull, and even cause increased secretions.
• Some dogs may blink excessively or want to rub their eyes.

Editor’s opinion: Once my dog ​​drinks less water, his eyes immediately become dull, which is very easy to see.

🐾 5. Decreased skin elasticity

✋ A simple test

• Gently lift the skin on the back of the dog's neck with your hands, and it should bounce back immediately after you let go.
• If your skin recovers slowly, it means it is not hydrated enough.
• This method is one of the most common ways veterinarians check for dehydration.

Editor's tip: Be gentle with this test and don't pull too hard to avoid scaring the dog.

🍲 6. Decreased appetite and poor digestion

🥣 Water affects gastrointestinal function

• Lack of water will slow down the dog's gastrointestinal motility and reduce its digestive ability.
• Sometimes constipation and loss of appetite may occur.
• Some dogs even refuse to eat dry food.

Editor’s experience: I’ve encountered a situation where a dog drank so little water that its poop became as hard as a rock. It was really heartbreaking.

7. Increased body temperature and rapid breathing

🔥 Severe water shortages can be dangerous

• When a dog is slightly dehydrated, it may pant rapidly in an attempt to cool down through breathing.
• In severe cases, the body temperature may rise and there may even be a risk of heat stroke.
• If your dog is hot and doesn't drink water, the situation can be very dangerous.

The editor reminds you: When taking your dog out in the summer, be sure to bring water with you. If you see your dog panting, take a break and drink water immediately.

📌 Editor's Summary

Signs that your dog isn't drinking enough water include dry mouth, lethargy, dark urine, dull eyes, poor skin elasticity, decreased appetite, and elevated body temperature . Owners should be observant and not wait until your dog becomes severely dehydrated before taking action. Encourage your dog to drink more water daily through methods like running water dispensers, wet food, and water-infused snacks. Remember: water is life; keeping your dog hydrated means helping them live longer and healthier lives.

🐶 6 ways to encourage your dog to drink more water

👉 Personally compiled by the editor・A must-read for Hong Kong dog owners

Many dogs are naturally reluctant to drink water, especially in small units like Hong Kong and with busy owners. This often leads to insufficient water intake. Chronic dehydration can increase the risk of kidney disease, urinary stones, constipation, and even heat stroke. We've compiled six tips to help your dog naturally drink more water, giving owners peace of mind!

💦 1. Use a running water machine

🐾 Dogs love fresh running water

• Dogs naturally prefer to drink running water because it feels fresher and cleaner.
• The flowing water machine can circulate and filter to prevent the water bowl from developing odor after being left for a long time.
• Some water machines will even make water sounds to attract dogs to drink.

Editor's opinion: My dog's water intake has increased significantly since I replaced the water dispenser.

🥣 2. Add water to food

🍲 Eat and drink water

• Add a small amount of warm water to dry food to make it "soaked food", which will make it easier for dogs to eat.
• You can increase the proportion of wet food, as the moisture content of wet food is much higher than that of dry food.
• Making your own low-salt broth (such as chicken or fish broth) can make your dog more willing to drink water.

Editor's reminder: Never add human seasonings, especially salt, onions, and garlic, which are toxic to dogs.

🧊 3. Homemade ice snacks

🥶 Cool down and replenish water in summer

• Add water to dog treats or fruit (safe varieties like blueberries or watermelon) and freeze them into ice cubes.
• Dogs absorb more water when they lick the ice cubes.
• Especially suitable for Hong Kong summer, it can cool down and replenish water.

Editor’s experience: I’ve tried using chicken soup ice cubes, and the dog chewed them like they were treasures.

🥤 4. Add a few more bowls of water

🏠 Water sources should be easily accessible

• Place water bowls in different corners of the house so that your dog can drink at any time.
• By increasing convenience, dogs will naturally drink more water.
• Remember to change the water every day to keep it fresh.

Editor's suggestion: Especially in multi-dog households, there must be enough water bowls to prevent the dogs from fighting with each other.

🎾 5. Provide water immediately after exercise

🏃♂️ The more you play, the thirstier you get, and the easier it is to drink

• After taking your dog for a walk, run, or play, give it clean water to drink immediately.
• Dogs will be thirsty after exercise and will naturally drink more.
• When you go out, remember to bring a water bottle and a foldable bowl to replenish your water at any time.

Editor's reminder: Be more careful after exercising in summer to avoid heatstroke.

🐶 6. Use positive reinforcement

🎉 Drinking water = good things happen

• When the dog drinks water, the owner can praise it immediately or give it a small reward.
• Over time, your dog will associate drinking water with a positive experience.
• Gradually develop the habit of drinking water actively.

Editor’s Note: After my dog ​​drinks, I’ll touch the drain and say “good job!” He’ll quickly learn that drinking water is a good thing.

📌 Editor's Summary

To encourage your dog to drink more water, you don't need to force it. Instead, create an attractive environment : a running water dispenser, wet food, iced treats, multiple water bowls, and hydration after exercise. Add positive encouragement, and your dog will naturally increase his water intake. With consistent practice, your pet's health will no longer be affected by dehydration.