Tricks to Help Your Pet Drink More Water

Learn ways to encourage cats and dogs to drink more water since good hydration is vital for pet health.

Tricks to Help Your Pet Drink More Water
By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces

Water is an essential part of your health and for your pets.  Usually, cats and dogs will instinctively drink enough water, but there are particular reasons they might neglect their water dish.  If that seems to be happening in your home, there are little tricks to help your pet drink more water.
 
Encouraging your pet to drink more water
These ruses to help your cat or dog drink more water are common sense.  Others are subtle ways to coax your pet into returning to their water dish.  Either way, these ideas can help them avoid health problems from poor hydration.

Make sure the water is fresh and clean.
Your dog might put disgusting things in their mouth, so you may be surprised that they are picky about water quality.  Pets may be turned off by dusty, dirty water.  Even if it does not look visibly dirty, your pet may be able to taste it if it is a few days old.

Make sure the dish is clean, too.
You might be refilling their bowl with fresh water regularly.  However, a dirty dish leads to contaminated water.  You might notice some grime and slime building up on the bottom of the water bowl.  It would be best to wash it with water and dish soap regularly.  FYI, pet dishes are one of the germiest spots in the house.

Try a different dish altogether.
You know that water from a plastic bottle tastes different than tap water in a glass.  Your pets can tell the difference, too, and they might have a strong preference.  Experiment with bowls made of different materials: glass, steel, ceramic, plastic, etc.

Move the water dish.
Many cats and dogs like to have their water dish next to their food dish but not all.  Try moving the bowl or adding bowls to other spots that suit them.  Your pet might drink more water if a bowl is near their favorite bed, in the yard, or in a quiet room.  If your pet is skittish, avoid placing the dish near a noisy or high-traffic area.
​
For cats, try a water fountain - many cats prefer to drink flowing water, another mystery of cats.  If your cat neglects their water dish, try getting them a cat water fountain.  Look for one with a filter, and change it regularly according to the instructions.
Check with your veterinarian.
As previously mentioned, dogs and cats usually drink enough water by instinct.  If they are not drinking enough water and you have tried the above, it might signal a bigger health problem.  This medical problem might need treatment, and early treatment can often help prevent the problem from worsening.