How do I get my dog to drink more water?

One of the most underrated ways to keep your dog happy and healthy is to make sure they're properly hydrated. It may seem as simple as keeping their water bowl filled, but age, temperature, and health are all factors that may affect your dog’s ability to drink, or their increased need for it. 

Let’s start with the WHY; why is hydration so important for dogs?

Here are 5 reasons why hydration is absolutely crucial for your dog's health and well-being:

1. Hydration helps maintain healthy body temperature. Dogs regulate their body temperature through panting and sweating, which can lead to water loss. By keeping your dog hydrated, you can help them maintain a healthy body temperature, prevent heat stroke, and ultimately help them retain more water than they lose. 
2. Hydration helps support kidney and urinary health. The kidneys and urinary system play a crucial role in maintaining your dog's health by filtering waste and toxins from the body. Having enough water in their body is essential for maintaining healthy kidney and urinary function, and can prevent kidney and urinary diseases–and expensive vet visits!
3. Hydration helps support digestive health. The digestive system relies on water to function properly, and prevents problems, such as constipation and diarrhea.
4. Hydration helps support joint health. Water is an important component of joint fluid, which helps lubricate the joints and support mobility. By keeping your dog hydrated, you can help support their joint health and prevent joint problems, especially as these can become an issue as dogs age.
5. Hydration helps support cognitive function. The brain needs water to function properly, and dehydration can greatly affect cognitive function. By keeping your dog hydrated, you can help support their cognitive function and prevent mental decline.

So HOW can you make sure your dog stays hydrated?

Here are the top 4 tips:

1. Provide fresh, clean water at all times. Make sure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water, and change their water regularly to prevent contamination.
2. Offer water before, during, and after exercise. Exercise can lead to water loss through panting and sweating, so it's important to offer your dog water during and between physical activity. An easy way to achieve this is to bring a collapsible travel water bowl with you wherever you go! You can have a water bottle on hand, or use a water fountain at the park!
3. Consider adding moisture to your dog's diet. If your dog is picky about drinking water, you can try adding moisture to their diet by feeding them wet food or adding water to their dry food. For a nutritious flavor boost, add plain bone broth! 
4. Monitor your dog's water intake. Keep an eye on your dog's water intake and make sure they're drinking enough to support their health and well-being. If you notice that your dog is not drinking enough water, consult with your veterinarian to determine the cause and find a solution.

Hydration is crucial for your dog's health and well-being.

By providing your dog with fresh, clean water and monitoring their water intake, you can help support their health and prevent dehydration and other health problems. So make sure to keep your furry friend hydrated, and they'll be happy and healthy!