In order for your dog to develop healthy skin and a shiny appearance, they require plenty of water. It is important not to skimp on water as it is needed for blood flow, digestion, and drinking. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be difficult to figure out what the actual cause of your dog's dehydration really is. Many people assume that dogs are reluctant drinkers because of their age or breed type when in reality there are many other causes for a dog not drinking enough water. 1) Limited Access to Water Bowls The easiest way to tell if your dog isn't drinking enough water is by paying attention to whether or not they have access to a water bowl. Having access to unlimited clean, fresh water is essential for maintaining good health in your dog. If they are not drinking from the bowl and you have made sure that the bowls are clean and easily accessible, then there may be a problem with the bowls themselves. Many dogs don't like their water bowl placed on top of tile or concrete floors as it disturbs their drinking experience. 2) Change in Water Source Both dogs and cats are different when it comes to water consumption. Some dogs prefer to drink from water bowls on top of the linoleum or carpeted floor as does a cat, while others prefer drinking from the outside faucets. Some dogs like walking around and drinking from various spots around the home, while others may simply drink from the same spot all of the time. 3) Type of Food Certain foods can cake up quickly in your dog's stomach and cause them not to drink enough water. Some of these foods include onions, garlic, citrus fruits, and dairy products. If you notice that your dog isn't drinking enough water, feed them a high-water content diet and check to see if it makes a difference. Weight loss can also cause dogs not to drink as much when they have lost significant amounts of weight or they aren't eating as much as they did prior to the weight loss. 4) Oral Disease Dogs not drinking enough water can be a sign of an oral disease that has to be taken care of by a veterinarian. Conditions like Parvo and distemper can cause dogs not to drink water as they are feeling sick and have a loss of appetite. Breeds such as the Irish Setter and Bloodhound, among others, have less salivary glands, which makes it harder for them to produce enough saliva to swallow properly and maintain hydration levels. 5) Nausea Dogs can develop nausea and throw up if they aren't drinking enough water. When they throw up, they are likely not drinking because they are feeling sick. This is easily fixed by administering a double dose of water to the dog and then consulting with your veterinarian. Conclusion We cannot stress enough the importance of giving your dog enough water to ensure that they are well hydrated and healthy. Not getting enough water is a problem for many pet owners, as it can lead to bad health, weight loss and even death. Other recommended posts:
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1 Comment
8/2/2022 04:18:18 pm
Thanks for the heads up that a dog neglecting their food can signify that they're struggling with something internal. I have been thinking about adopting a dog since they look so energetic and cute! I should keep this in mind and seek out a veterinarian if this happens to my future furry friend.
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AuthorA pet lover and a blogger for a hobby. Archives
November 2022
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