Is Your Dog Not Drinking Water? Try These Tips…
A dog not drinking water isn’t always a crisis, but it’s always worth paying attention to.
Sometimes it’s just fussiness. Other times, it’s a sign something’s off, like sore teeth, stress, or even the wrong type of bowl. Whether it’s come on suddenly or crept up over a few days, you’re right to be concerned.
The good news is, not every case calls for an urgent vet visit or a spike in your insurance premium for claiming. As so much can cause a dog to stop drinking water (or at least as much they should be) , a small change at home may be all it takes to get them drinking again.
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How Much Water Should a Dog Drink Daily?
A healthy dog typically needs 40–60 ml of water per kilogram of body weight each day. That means my two Staffy boys—24 kg and 26 kg—should be getting somewhere between 2 and 2.5 litres of water between them on a regular day.
That sounds like a lot, right? But if you looked at their water bowl, you’d think it barely gets touched.
They’re fussy, fast, and built like tanks. And when puddles show up in the garden? That’s what they go for. Not the fresh bowl inside. Go figure.
The point is, the water bowl doesn’t always tell the full story. Dogs get water from all kinds of places… food, puddles, little nooks in the garden, and the morning dew on the grass. So don’t panic if the bowl’s still half full by evening. What matters most is how your dog’s doing overall.
Here’s a quick guide to a dog’s water needs:
- 40–60 ml per kg of body weight per day is the standard range
- More on hot days, after play or training sessions
- Less if they eat wet food, which already contains moisture
So for most Staffies, who tend to be active, muscular, and often on dry kibble, they’ll usually land toward the higher end of that range.
How to Tell If Your Dog’s Dehydrated
If you’re worried your dog might not be drinking enough, and you’re not sure if they’ve been sneaking water from puddles or the garden, there’s an easy way to check.
It’s called the Skin Turgor Test:
- Gently pinch a bit of loose skin between your dog’s shoulder blades.
- Lift it up slightly, then let go.
- Watch how fast it snaps back into place.
If it returns quickly (within a second or two), hydration is probably fine.
If it stays up or moves slowly, that could be a sign of dehydration, and worth keeping an eye on.
Other signs to look out for:
- Dry or tacky gums
- Lethargy or unusually low energy
- Sunken eyes
- Panting more than usual without exertion
If any of these show up and your dog’s still refusing water, a call to the vet would be advised.
Here’s a video demonstrating the checks to do for dehydration in dogs.
5 Common Reasons a Dog Might Stop Drinking Water
Dogs can go a full 24 hours before the signs of dehydration start to show—and honestly, it’s not unusual for them to drink a bit less now and then.
They’re pretty good at self-regulating. But when your dog’s avoiding the water bowl completely, and it’s starting to worry you, there’s usually something behind it.
Here are five of the most common reasons they go off their water, and what you can do about it.
1. Fussy or Picky Drinkers
Some dogs are just weird about what goes near their mouth and nose. Funny how they’ve got no problem sniffing another dog’s bits, but if there’s an odd smell from the water bowl, they’ll back away like it’s radioactive.
Temperature can put them off too. In summer, a couple of ice cubes can help. It’s less about “cold” and more about what’s normal for them.
Ours? They’d rather drink from puddles. On warm days, they’ll skiddle about in a stream and lap that up instead. I reckon they like a bit of variety. And to be fair, dogs do get water from all sorts… morning dew, puddles, the shower tray.
If your dog’s the type who can’t pass a stream without grabbing a few gulps, it might be the movement that draws them in. Plenty of owners find their dogs drink more from a fountain than a still bowl. One of the best automatic water bowl for dogs is the PetSafe Drinkwell® Platinum Fountain.
2. Dirty Bowls or Stale Water
Some dogs won’t touch water that smells or tastes slightly off. Others will gulp it down anyway, getting an upset stomach for their bravery.
Been there. Last summer, after constantly refilling the outdoor water bowl, I figured I’d save myself the hassle and go bigger… a planter, trough-style, like the ones you see in cattle fields. I filled it from the garden hose, figuring it was certain to need less refilling. The next day, the sides and bottom were coated in green slime. Algae.
So this year, I thought I was being smart by going with a stainless steel bowl for the garden instead. Supposed to be more hygienic. Still got algae the next day. Turns out, in warm weather, it only takes 24 hours for a bowl left in direct sun to turn into a mini swamp.
Algae loves warmth, moisture, and any bit of organic muck it can cling to. Like food residue, dust, or saliva. It forms fast, and often clings to the sides or bottom before the water even looks dirty. That slime would be enough to turn fussy dogs off, or make others feel rough.
If your dog’s water bowl keeps going green, read about green algae in dog water bowls, and learn what causes it, and how to stop it coming back.
Tip: Swap out the water daily, and give the bowl a proper scrub (not just a rinse). Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are still your best bet because they’re less porous than plastic and easier to keep clean.
3. Bad Bowl Placement or Too Many Distractions
Where the water bowl sits matters more than most people think.
Dogs are more likely to drink when their bowl’s in the right spot. That means:
- Keep it consistent – Don’t move it around. Dogs like knowing where to find it.
- Quiet and calm – Avoid high-traffic walkways, doorways, or noisy appliances.
- Away from food – Some dogs don’t like to drink right next to where they eat.
- Hard flooring – Tile or wood is easier to clean and stays more hygienic than carpet.
- No tight corners – Give them room to approach from any side, without feeling boxed in.
- Raised bowls for comfort – Especially for medium/large dogs or seniors with joint issues.
- Multiple bowls – In bigger homes or with multiple pets, place extras around to make access easier.
- Got cats? Have plenty of space between the water dishes and the litter tray.
Sometimes it’s not about what’s in the bowl… it’s where you’ve put it!
4. Stress or Routine Changes
Dogs thrive on predictability. So when life shifts—even just a little—it can knock them off balance. A new schedule, a move, loud noises like fireworks, or even house guests can be enough to throw off their eating and drinking patterns.
When they’re stressed, some dogs won’t go near their food or water bowls. Others might hide in their crate or a quiet corner, not coming out until things feel safe again. If it’s a one-off event (like fireworks night), you might notice your dog skipping water for hours—sometimes until the next day.
If your dog struggles with anxiety, there are a few ways to help. I find the best treatment for dogs with anxiety to be desensitization training, but there’s other strategies too… From treats to pressure vests to calming sounds and even scents.
Sometimes, just giving them a quiet spot to decompress can help. A frozen licki mat with something gentle like banana or yogurt can be a calming distraction – and an easy way to get a bit of moisture back into them.
5. Pain or Dental Issues
If your dog suddenly avoids their water bowl, it might not be the water—it might be their mouth.
Mouth pain, sore teeth, or even an injured jaw can make drinking uncomfortable, especially if the water’s cold or the bowl’s deep. Sensitive gums might flare up with certain angles, temperatures, or even just the effort of lapping.
Depending on how you take care of your dog’s teeth, you might spot signs early—like flinching during brushing or ignoring a favourite chew toy. Those can be early indicators that something’s not quite right inside their mouth.
Dogs also tend to hide pain, so what looks like fussiness could actually be discomfort. If you’re unsure, it helps to know the common signs a dog is in pain, from subtle behaviour changes to posture shifts and avoiding certain movements.
7 Tips to Encourage Your Dog to Drink
If your dog’s not drinking enough, sometimes a small tweak is all it takes. Here are a few easy fixes that often help—even for the fussy ones:
- Refresh their water more often
Sounds simple, but stale or warm water can be a turn-off. Rinse the bowl, refill with cool fresh water, and you might be surprised how much they drink. - Add ice cubes
Some dogs love batting them around before they melt. Others just prefer chilled water—especially on warm days. - Splash in some flavour
A dash of low-sodium chicken broth or bone broth can make water more appealing. Just be sure there’s no onion or garlic in the ingredients. - Use wet food or food toppers
Adding water-rich foods (like a spoonful of wet food or a topper soaked in water) can help hydrate fussy drinkers without them even realising. - Place multiple bowls around the house
Out of sight, out of mind. Having a few bowls in quiet spots can make it easier for your dog to grab a drink throughout the day. - Consider a raised bowl or a fountain
Some dogs find it more comfortable to drink from a slightly elevated bowl. Others like a bit of movement, and for those, water fountains can be encouraging for curious or lazy drinkers. - Prompt after walks or play
Encourage a drink after activity. Praise them for going to the bowl… it sounds silly, but dogs love your approval, and it can help create a routine.
I wish I’d done that from the get-go. Instead, the routine they learned after a long walk was to sit by the doggy cupboard in the kitchen and wait for a Bonio.
Choosing the Right Water Bowl Can Help
These days, there’s a bowl for just about every need, including breed-specific options like long-eared dog bowls for Spaniels or flatter, wider bowls for brachycephalic breeds. Naturally, if it’s uncomfortable for the dog to drink from the bowl, it’s likely to avoid it until it needs it.
Here’s a quick summary the types of bowls available and what they’re best for.
| Type | Key Features | Best For |
| Standard/Classic | Simple, versatile, many materials | Everyday home use |
| Elevated | Raised, ergonomic | Large, senior, or arthritic dogs |
| Slow Feeder/Puzzle | Internal ridges, slows drinking/eating | Fast drinkers/eaters |
| Spill-Resistant/Non-Tip | Weighted/wide base, non-slip | Messy or playful dogs |
| Travel/Collapsible | Portable, foldable, lightweight | Outdoor activities, travel |
| Automatic Dispenser | Continuous fresh water, gravity/electric | Busy owners, multi-pet homes |
| Material-Specific | Stainless steel, ceramic, plastic, silicone | Depends on durability, hygiene |
| Specialty (e.g., breed) | Unique shapes for ears, faces, etc. | Specific breed needs |
Final Thoughts
A dog not drinking water might not be an emergency, but it’s never something to ignore.
The reasons are often small, fixable things: the bowl, the weather, a picky phase, or a bit of stress. But when you’re tuned in to the little things… like where the bowl is, how fresh the water is, or how your dog’s acting – you can catch problems early and act fast.
Sometimes, all it takes is a cleaner bowl. Or a quieter corner. Or switching from tap water to something tastier like bone broth.
And if you ever do suspect something’s off, trust your gut. Because no one knows your dog like you do.
