Experts at Forthglade have given some insight into why your dog may drink less water in winter, and how you can encourage them to drink more to keep them fit and healthy.
Brand ambassador and Media Vet, Dr James Greenwood, said, “Throughout the colder months, it’s completely normal for dogs to drink less water. As temperatures drop, their bodies conserve moisture more efficiently. They pant less and don’t sweat as much, which means they lose far less fluid than in summer.
“Additionally, the sensation of thirst tends to feel less urgent in cooler weather, so they simply don’t feel the same need to drink. While this seasonal change is to be expected, dry air can affect your dog’s hydration, and water is important to support regulating their body temperature and keep their digestive system ticking along nicely.”
Alongside offering fresh, unfrozen water at all times, there are other ways you can support your dog’s hydration during the colder months.
- Offer room-temperature water
Despite a cold glass of water sounding extremely appealing to us, a dog may not feel the same way, especially in the winter. To encourage your dog to drink more water and avoid dehydration during the cold months, try offering lukewarm or room-temperature water to make it more inviting.
- Swap to wet dog food
Wet dog food contains more water than dry dog food, which is a great alternative during the winter months when your dog isn’t feeling as thirsty. Wet dog food has a moisture content of 60-80%, compared to dry food, which contains 3-12%, so by switching to wet food alone, your dog is naturally going to become more hydrated and not have to rely solely on drinking water.
- Provide more water bowls
A simple, yet effective way to get your dog to drink more water is by providing more water bowls throughout the home. For many dogs, drinking water can be out of sight, out of mind. If they are settled comfortably in a favourite spot, they may not be motivated to go to another room to get their water, especially if they don’t feel thirsty to begin with.
By providing additional water bowls in multiple locations, they may feel more inclined to take a drink.
- Use enrichment play to make drinking water seem more fun
If you’re really struggling to get your dog to drink water, try introducing a pet water fountain. The moving water can help stimulate your pup’s interest in drinking. Other alternatives include interactive water toys that can be filled with water and lick mats, which can help release endorphins while providing mental stimulation for your dog.
That being said, if your dog shows a strong disinterest, and enrichment activities don’t seem to be helping, it’s best to visit a vet to understand the root cause and get some help with hydration if needed.
This is a gust post by Forthglade. Want to write for us? Visit www.dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/essay-submission or email editorial@dogstodaymagazine.co.uk.
